MEC Motara and Minister Simelane champion transformation at BBCBE Indaba
This year’s indaba placed strong emphasis on critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, water, roads, and bridges.
The second day of the Black Business Council in the Built Environment (BBCBE) Indaba opened with the presence of Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, and the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane.
Held at the Gallagher Convention Centre on April 10 and 11, the summit brought together key stakeholders across public and private sectors to discuss transformation within South Africa’s built environment.
This year’s indaba placed strong emphasis on critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, water, roads, and bridges. It provided a collaborative space for policymakers, professionals, and business leaders to reflect on systemic challenges in the sector and propose actionable strategies for inclusive growth.
The indaba convened under the theme: Partnering with government and key stakeholders to deliver infrastructure projects through innovative funding and delivery models.
Motara commended the BBCBE for establishing a platform that facilitated peer engagement and solution-oriented dialogue. She acknowledged the limitations of state funding to meet the extensive infrastructure demands and stressed the need for sustainable partnerships and innovative funding models to support development.
The two-day summit covered a wide range of issues, including access to procurement for black-owned enterprises, transformation of the construction industry, and the advancement of women and youth in the built environment. It also aligned discussions with broader national objectives, including the National Development Plan and provincial infrastructure goals.
Also read: Kaalfontein Multipurpose Centre’s construction hits a snag as shrubs and alien plants take over
Simelane’s attendance signaled national support for the BBCBE’s role in driving sectoral change. The summit reaffirmed the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping equitable participation in South Africa’s infrastructure and construction economy.
“Our aim is to ensure that while we respond to disasters, through implementation of IBTs, we contribute to improving the quality of life through permanent and sustainable quality houses while revolutionising access to adequate housing, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs in the human settlements delivery value chain,” said Simelane.
Day one of the indaba focused on infrastructure collaboration, the Procurement Bill implications, consulting engineers presenting future plans in the building industry, and project infrastructure funding to explore opportunities available in the sector.
The BBCBE Indaba continues to serve as a crucial forum for reshaping the built environment through advocacy, collaboration, and strategic alignment between government and industry.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
