Aligned with South Africa’s development agenda and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, the 12thedition of Big 5 Construct South Africa and the inaugural South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo were inaugurated by Jacek Chodorowicz, Head of Mission - Poland in South Africa (chargé d'affaires of the Polish Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa) and Mameetse Masemola, Deputy Director-General: Infrastructure Investment Planning & Oversight, Infrastructure South Africa, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, welcoming the construction,  infrastructure and water industries for three days of networking, learning and discussions. 

“From the moment the doors opened, the energy and engagement on the exhibition floor were incredible,” says Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President – Construction, dmg events. “With strong regional and international participation, Big 5 Construct South Africa and the inaugural South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo have become a strategic meeting point for professionals looking to solve real challenges, deliver transformative infrastructure and build partnerships that impact ongoing and upcoming development projects in the country.”

High-level discussions take the centre stage

Running alongside the exhibition is the invite-only South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum which welcomed high-profile government leaders and private sector stakeholders on Day 1 to discuss key areas of growth and development, unlocking South Africa’s $193 billion infrastructure ambition.

A key session on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), moderated by Nomfundo Mbatha, Programme Lead: Infrastructure Project Pipeline Development, Infrastructure South Africa, explored how collaborative models can unlock infrastructure funding and accelerate delivery. The panel featured Johnson Mwawasi Kilangi, Founder & CEO, Miundo Misingi Hub; Engr Wynand Dreyer, Director, Dreyer Project Dynamics; Engr John Samuel, PPP Expert, South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE); and Hendrik Malan, Partner & CEO, Frost & Sullivan, where speakers stressed the role of clear regulation, fair risk sharing and private sector expertise in delivering sustainable infrastructure projects.

Another standout session focused on South Africa’s infrastructure market, where Mbasa Xolisa Tshombe, Acting Head: PICC TTT Unit, Infrastructure South Africa, outlined investment priorities across transport, energy, housing and logistics, highlighting the importance of project readiness, coordinated planning and crowding in private capital to unlock long-term growth.

On the sidelines, sessions on professional reinstatement, project risk and sustainable design at Big 5 Talks drew strong interest from attendees. In a focused session, Khutso Mokgehle, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Coordinator at the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), provided a step-by-step overview of the reinstatement process for lapsed professionals, offering practical guidance on logging CPD points efficiently and avoiding common delays to ensure long-term compliance.

Fellow speaker Professor Clinton Aigbavboa, Director: CIDB Centre of Excellence, Department of Construction Management & Quantity Surveying at the University of Johannesburg, highlighted how modular construction and 3D printing enable faster project delivery, design precision, sustainability gains and scalable solutions for affordable housing across Africa.

“As we continue to welcome industry professionals across the construction and infrastructure value chain our CPD-certified content programmes including Infra360, Water360, Big 5 Talks and Day 2 of South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum will feature insights on pressing topics that impact the development of the industry,” said Heijmans.

Spotlighting international delegations, live demos and industry engagement

Alongside the robust content programme, the exhibition floor hosted over 250 local and international exhibitors engaging engineers, consultants, contractors and developers through live demos, technical exchanges and business networking across next generation building materials, HVAC systems, water technology and project solutions. 

Saudi Arabia’s official delegation, led by the Saudi Export Development Authority (SEDA), formed one of the largest international participants present at the event. Saudi Arabian companies showcased products and systems across the MEP, manufacturing, building materials and services sectors. The country’s high-level participation and engagement highlighted the strength of bilateral ties and Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on Africa’s infrastructure and construction sectors. 

The events kicked off with a strong international presence, with pavilions from China, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, and Türkiye, alongside exhibiting companies from Jordan, Malaysia, Mozambique, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, the UAE and other countries. Day 1 of the event saw a strong showcase from key industry players, including Acero Building Systems, a global leader in pre-engineered and conventional steel building solutions; the Ankara Metal Products Exports Association, representing over 4,000 Turkish metal manufacturers; and Avenir Holdings and Decoral System, a South African firm offering infrastructure and engineering solutions. Their live product demonstrations drew consistent attention, setting an energetic tone for the rest of the event.

Big 5 Construction South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo continue until 20 June 2025 with more sessions, product demonstrations, discussions and meetings.