Why South Africa’s infrastructure maintenance framework has limited practical effect: Policy, practice, and comparative lessons from peer countries

Abstract

Despite the National Infrastructure Maintenance Strategy (NIMS), the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA), and the National Immovable Asset Maintenance Management (NIAMM) framework, the condition of South African public sector infrastructure remains unsatisfactory, as evidenced by national ‘report cards’ and the three ‘Drop’ reports that appeared in March 2026. The problem is that there has not (until this article) been a study in South Africa that contrasts the high-level NIMS and its associated NIAMM, on the one hand, with the condition of public sector fixed infrastructure, on the other – and has asked why this strategy and this framework have had hardly any practical effect. This article adopts a qualitative, policy- and practice-oriented approach, drawing on documentary evidence, comparative policy review, and practitioner-informed insight. It investigates the adequacy of implementation of South Africa’s infrastructure asset management guidance, and explores whether peer countries achieve better outcomes through alternative mechanisms. Data were collected through a desktop review of relevant overseas strategies, legislation, and guidelines, supplemented by correspondence with practitioners and professional networks in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and (to a lesser extent) a few other countries, where documents in English could be obtained. Analysis focused on identifying the presence and effectiveness of governance mechanisms, supportive institutions, and enabling cultures that influence infrastructure maintenance outcomes. Findings indicate that, while South Africa possesses documentation or legislation broadly comparable to that of peer countries, the main reason for these countries’ better infrastructure condition is their prioritising accountability, competence, adequate budgets, and supportive organisational cultures. By contrast, South African strategy and frameworks, largely unsupported and unpublicised, have limited impact. The article highlights implications for strengthening infrastructure asset management policy and practice in South Africa. It does not set out an explicit reform blueprint.