No Free Lunch – Fixing SA's Transport Infrastructure

Tackling South Africa’s Infrastructure Deficits with SAICE’s Ceo – Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane

In the latest episode of “No Free Lunch,” host Greg Stewart engages with Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane, the pioneering CEO of the South African Institute of Engineers (SAICE), to discuss the pressing issues surrounding South Africa’s infrastructure. The conversation delves into the deteriorating state of infrastructure, the high costs associated with transport, and the challenges faced by the public transport system.

Sekadi highlights the critical need for lifecycle-based maintenance strategies to combat the crumbling infrastructure. She emphasizes the importance of integrating maintenance into long-term planning and ensuring that funds are allocated specifically for this purpose. The discussion also touches on the role of civil engineers and the need for engineering knowledge within infrastructure departments to implement effective maintenance programs.

The Taxi Challenge

The conversation shifts to the minibus taxi industry, which has become a backbone for public transport in South Africa, despite not being designed for this role. Sekadi points out the agility of the industry and the need for better integration into the public transport network. She advocates for creating space for taxis in town planning and improving road safety and driver behaviour.

Sekadi also discusses the potential for partnerships and collaborations, both locally and internationally, to enhance infrastructure planning and maintenance. She shares insights from her experiences at international summits and the importance of learning from other countries’ approaches to infrastructure management.

The episode concludes with a vision for inclusive mobility that reduces costs for commuters, maintains roads, enforces laws, and ensures accountability within the taxi industry. Sekadi expresses hope for a future where these challenges are addressed through collaboration and strategic planning.

Listen Here:

Key Quotes from Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane:

• “Maintenance cannot just be something that is thought after. We need to install maintenance as part of our long-term planning.”
• “The cost factor involved for both people running their vehicles and trucks on roads that are not maintained is significant. Estimates suggest up to 20% of household income is spent on transport, which is wickedly high and has been for over 25 years.”
• “We publish an infrastructure report card every five years, tracking the general maintenance of our economic infrastructure. Maintenance needs to be part of our long-term planning, with funds ring-fenced for maintaining infrastructure.”
• “The minibus taxi industry, though not initially intended to be the backbone of public transport, has become essential. They are agile and go where the people are, but they are often left out of planning, leading to congestion and safety issues.”
• “We do not create enough space for them from a town planning perspective.”
• “There’s a lot of improvement and accountability that the (taxi) industry needs to take into their side as well.”
• “We need to integrate them (taxi’s) as part of the bigger public transport network.”