The South African government owns a diverse range of public assets, including roads, harbours, energy and water infrastructure, schools, hospitals, prisons, cultural reserves, military assets, and more. These assets are vital for the country’s economic growth, poverty alleviation, and quality of life. The World Economic Forum identifies infrastructure as a key pillar of global competitiveness.

South Africa faces significant challenges in asset management. Official records list around 88,000 buildings and 5 million hectares of land, valued at an estimated 155 billion rand ($8.7 billion). Concerns remain over the accuracy of valuations and asset documentation. Additionally, about 388 government buildings have been hijacked, and many others are underutilised, representing lost revenue. Fragmented management systems, ageing infrastructure, and financial constraints further complicate these issues.
Efficient asset management is critical to unlocking the full potential of these resources. Proper maintenance, optimal use, and strategic planning can improve service delivery, economic productivity, and development outcomes. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts to maximise the value of existing public assets.

The Conference on Public Sector Property & Asset Management in South Africa aims to bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, property managers and industry experts. The conference will explore 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 will provide a platform to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s public assets.