The South African government owned a diverse range of public assets, including roads, harbours, energy and water infrastructure, schools, hospitals, prisons, cultural reserves, military assets, and more. These assets were vital for the country’s economic growth, poverty alleviation, and quality of life. The World Economic Forum identified infrastructure as a key pillar of global competitiveness.
South Africa faced significant challenges in asset management. Official records listed around 88,000 buildings and 5 million hectares of land, valued at an estimated 155 billion rand ($8.7 billion). Concerns remained over the accuracy of valuations and asset documentation. Additionally, about 388 government buildings had been hijacked, and many others were underutilised, representing lost revenue. Fragmented management systems, ageing infrastructure, and financial constraints further complicated these issues.
Efficient asset management was critical to unlocking the full potential of these resources. Proper maintenance, optimal use, and strategic planning could improve service delivery, economic productivity, and development outcomes. Addressing these challenges required coordinated efforts to maximise the value of existing public assets.
The Conference on Public Sector Property & Asset Management in South Africa aimed to bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, property managers, and industry experts. The conference explored how to efficiently manage public assets, address issues like ageing infrastructure and hijacked buildings, and utilise new technologies for more sustainable, smart asset management. The conference provided a platform to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s public assets.
