Author | Bani Kgosana, Pragma CRO
South Africa faces an extraordinary opportunity to transform its government-owned assets and enhance public infrastructure. By leveraging reputable companies with proven expertise, such as Pragma, and focusing on effective maintenance strategies, the country can pave the way for a brighter future. The government can no longer afford fruitless, unstructured efforts to fix its infrastructure. The country needs functional infrastructure to support businesses and the general public, mitigate risks, and attract vital foreign investment.
Unlocking the potential of government assets
The South African government oversees over 93,000 buildings, 1.9 million hectares of land, and 74 hospitals. These assets, many of which are underutilised or poorly maintained, hold immense potential for revitalisation. By adopting systematic and proactive maintenance practices, these facilities can better serve the public while boosting economic stability.
Bani Kgosana, Chief Revenue Officer at Pragma, underscores the importance of scheduled maintenance: “Scheduled maintenance enables good outcomes. We have witnessed the positive effects after six months without the crippling load-shedding caused by Eskom’s challenges. Our advanced, homegrown solutions have the potential to enhance maintenance for government-owned assets, optimising them for the benefit of South Africans and our economy.”
Pragma: A partner in progress
Pragma, a South African-based industrial technology company, specialises in helping municipalities and industrial businesses maximise the return on their asset investments. Operating in 46 countries, Pragma’s expertise lies in its ability to design and implement scalable solutions through tools like the On Key Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS).
“Pragma’s On Key system manages maintenance processes end-to-end, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and cost-effectively,” says Kgosana. “Our stringent contractor accreditation ensures that skilled professionals are matched with jobs, minimising delays and eliminating rework caused by poor quality or unprepared teams.”
Pragma’s approach not only guarantees the efficient allocation of maintenance tasks but also provides significant opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By distributing maintenance contracts to smaller regional contractors, Pragma supports local economies while ensuring top-notch service delivery.
Measurable success and a call to action
The benefits of Pragma’s methods are evident in several public-private partnerships and municipal engagements. For instance, at Albert Luthuli Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, a partnership with Tsebo has resulted in one of the country’s best-run public hospitals. Similarly, a large metropolitan Electrical Support Services department achieved a remarkable 2,500% increase in operational output, while streamlined processes led to significant cost savings across various sectors.
Kgosana highlights the potential for scaling these successes: “If the same commitment to planned maintenance that we eventually saw in electricity can be implemented in water management, building management, and other utility sectors, the impact on our country will be immense.”
A hopeful future
Effective and functional infrastructure is crucial for businesses and the general public alike. It reduces risks, supports economic growth, and fosters trust in South Africa’s capabilities. By partnering with expert organizations like Pragma, the government has the opportunity to address critical challenges and unlock the full potential of the nation’s assets.
“We invite government officials, industry stakeholders, and potential partners to join us in this journey toward sustainable growth. Together, we can revitalise South Africa’s infrastructure and create a foundation for lasting prosperity,” concludes Kgosana.
Now is the time to act. South Africa’s future depends on the choices made today. Let us work together to restore, rebuild, and rise.
