The Western Cape Provincial Government’s Department of Infrastructure aims to bring about change in the lived reality of communities in the Western Cape through targeted interventions and by providing clear policy direction in the infrastructure space. DOI recognises the role well-maintained and strategically identified infrastructure plays in addressing spatial transformation.
The department has a broad mandate encompassing Infrastructure planning, delivery and coordination; Provincial roads; and Public works including the provision of general office accommodation, health, housing and education infrastructure; as well as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Serving his second term in office, Tertuis Simmers, the provincial Minister of the Department of Infrastructure, remains committed to actively shaping the future of our province’s infrastructure landscape.
Simmers is passionate about his portfolio and has a long-term vision for the Western Cape’s infrastructure development. He believes that infrastructure is at the heart of economic growth that creates jobs in the fastest and most sustainable way, alleviating poverty, restoring dignity and uplifting communities.
Simmers is a qualified Skills Development Facilitator, holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and is currently studying his MBA.
The Western Cape stands out as South Africa’s most attractive infrastructure investment destination because it combines stability, growth, and delivery. Our governance record speaks for itself: in the latest Auditor-General report, 80% of municipalities in our province achieved clean or unqualified audits – the highest in the country. This gives investors, homeowners, and businesses confidence that public resources are managed with accountability and transparency.
That stability underpins our position as the country’s fastest-growing economy. In 2023, the Western Cape expanded by 1.4%, more than double the national average of 0.6%. Construction, finance, and property-related services are key drivers of this growth, pointing to both strong fundamentals and a robust investment environment.
Our infrastructure network is also scaling up to meet demand. Cape Town International Airport has already returned to record passenger volumes, while ongoing upgrades at our ports and logistics corridors are enhancing trade capacity. These improvements not only boost investor confidence but also stimulate demand for commercial and residential property.
Population growth adds to this momentum. In 2023 alone, more than 98,000 people migrated to the Western Cape from other provinces, according to Stats SA data, with Gauteng recording the largest outflow. This inflow places upward pressure on housing demand, values, and sales.
In response, the Western Cape Government has facilitated over 100,000 housing opportunities in the past five years across income categories. Many of these have been delivered in partnership with the private sector through innovative mixed-use and affordable developments that diversify the market and expand supply. This demonstrates our commitment to working with investors to deliver infrastructure that is both sustainable and inclusive.
At Africa PPP 2025, we will highlight a series of catalytic projects from the Western Cape’s Singular Infrastructure Pipeline that reflect both the scale of our ambition and the depth of opportunities available for private sector participation.
In energy, we are advancing embedded generation and renewable projects such as the Riversdale Renewable Energy Pilot, which form part of our wider programme to build provincial energy resilience. These projects are designed not only to stabilise supply but also to create long-term investment opportunities in one of South Africa’s fastest-growing sectors.
Transport and mobility projects also feature strongly. The Malmesbury Bypass and the Louis Fourie Road upgrade in Mossel Bay are examples of how we are expanding and modernising critical routes to reduce congestion, improve safety, and unlock economic growth.
Housing and urban regeneration remain central to our pipeline. Developments such as Founders Garden, Prestwich Precinct, Leeuloop, Oude Molen, and Welmoed (Penhill) showcase mixed-use models that bring together affordable housing, retail, and social amenities. These projects are structured to attract blended finance and private investment while reshaping city spaces into inclusive, vibrant communities.
Across all sectors, our approach ensures that infrastructure investment is also an investment in people. Through initiatives like the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme, the Contractor Development Programme, and the National Youth Service, we are equipping young people and emerging contractors with the skills to participate in and benefit from these projects.
Together, these opportunities reflect how the Western Cape is using innovation, partnerships, and scale to create an investment environment where infrastructure delivers both sustainable returns and lasting developmental impact.
