The Strategic Partners Group (SPG) is the empowerment partner in the Gautrain. When the current Concession expires in 2026 will you continue to be a Gautrain participant?
- The end of the Concession is rapidly approaching and SPG's Gautrain involvement since the start of operations in 2012 has been a major and most successful component of the company's business profile.
- As a viable black economic empowerment entity, SPG is vigorously committed to extending its Gautrain involvement beyond the 2016 termination of the existing Concession. However, SPG's continued role as a Gautrain partner is not a foregone conclusion.
- The Gautrain rapid rail transport system is owned by the Gauteng Government, and it has been made clear that appointment of the organisations to maintain, upgrade and modernise the Gautrain for what will probably be a 15-year extended period, will be subject to a tender process.
- It is my belief that SPG's Gautrain performance has been exemplary and, when it is proclaimed, the Company will definitely enter the tender process which will most likely be conducted under the jurisdiction of the Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics.
- The establishment and management of the Gautrain has not only created an invaluable learning curve for an empowerment company like SPG but has additionally been a priceless logistical asset for millions of South African commuters.
Where and how did all begin for SPG?
- SPG was formed in 2002 by a group of organisations and individuals representing the broad-based interests of a large spectrum of previously disadvantaged people.
- As the Company's founder and Executive Chairman at the time, I was on the lookout for investment opportunities that demanded the participation of a wholly owned black South Africa business entity and which would create value for the shareholders who had come on board.
- There were a variety of significant issues that attracted my attention when the possibility of a Gautrain involvement for SPG became evident.
- In the first instance, and clearly a critical determinant in the consideration of an investment initiative, all indications positively suggested that a Gautrain involvement would deliver acceptable returns on investment. Secondly, there was visible prestige in being a participant in what was going to be the biggest civil engineering project ever undertaken on the continent of Africa. Finally, there was the attraction of active cooperation in the development and construction of a high-speed rail transportation network never previously accomplished in South Africa.
- Without receiving any donations or financial concessions, quite often a feature of deals undertaken by empowerment entities, SPG went to the market and raised the investment capital required from several financial institutions. The loans that were granted have subsequently been repaid.
- Two South African companies – SPG and Murray and Roberts (M&R) – were signatories to the original Gautrain construction agreement. British company Bombardier, a manufacturer of transportation equipment, and Bouyges a similar French manufacturing company, also signed and RATP-Dev, a French specialist high-speed rail transportation operator was involved on the periphery. RATP-Dev was subsequently absorbed into the Bombela Operating Company (BOC) from where it manages and supervises the operational needs of the Gautrain.
- Of the four companies that signed the original Gautrain agreement, SPG is the only one that remains an active Gautrain participant.
- In its current figuration, the Gautrain system is managed and controlled by the Gauteng Provincial Government's, Bombela Concession Company (BCC), and operated by the Bombela Operating Company (BOC). SPG has shareholdings of more than 35% in each of these organisations.
- A substantial portion of SPG's revenue is received in shareholder dividends paid by BCC and BOC.
Apart from dividends paid to shareholders, does SPG derive any additional benefits from the Gautrain?
- Yes. At the time that the agreement was signed by the four previously mentioned start-up entities SPG, unlike the other three signatories which were well established global business organisations, was a commercial entity in a state of early growth and development.
- As a result, Bombardier, Bouyges and Murray and Roberts made commitments to a protocol agreement aimed at promoting revenue enhancement opportunities for SPG in the supply of goods and services which would be subject to agreement on pricing, timing and capacity to deliver.
- The Gautrain revenue enhancement opportunities offered to SPG were in the following commercial areas: Advertising and kiosks; the Commercial ICT Network; the Fibre Network; Station WIFI; Publications (print and digital) Radio (narrowcast), Cleaning and Maintenance Services and, Security Services.
- Virtually all of these operational opportunities have been successfully exploited by SPG with Security, Cleaning and Maintenance services provided at various Gautrain stations.
- Gautrain advertising is a particularly active area of business with SPG having established a profitable joint venture (JV) with JCDecaux, a global outdoor advertising agency. The Gautrain stations are attractive advertising venues for many of South Africa's major companies, particularly in the finance and banking sectors.
- In addition, and in 2019, SPG acquired a majority shareholding in Optinet Systems, a highly skilled engineering company, that is able to perform a variety of specialised functions within the Gautrain Reserve. Optinet is engaged in Gautrain WIFI and cellular projects as well as a major venture to install new Gautrain fare gates.
Concluding observations
- SPG is eagerly awaiting the distribution of the request for tenders for the next phase of the Gautrain operation to come into effect when the current Concession comes to an end in March 2026.
- As Group Chief Executive Officer of SPG, I am convinced that the invaluable experience the company has been so privileged to gather during the existing Concession, will put us in a favourable position to add value to the ongoing successful operation of the Gautrain.
- Circumstances permitting, SPG would seek to cooperate in the management and operation of the system with RAPT-Dev and any other organisation with the capacity to enhance the performance of what continues to present a world-class transportation facility to both domestic and international travellers.
- An ultimate objective is to reach a stage where there are sufficient skills developed for the entire Gautrain network to be managed and operated by South Africans.
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Speech by M G Diliza, Strategic Partners Group Chief Executive Officer at Premier Panyaza Lesufi's Golf Day Prizegiving at Serengeti Golf Estate on Tuesday 5 September 2023.
Honourable Premier Panyaza Lesufi; members and officials of the Gauteng Provincial Government; dedicated golfers who participated in today's prestigious event; distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
As a representative of the Strategic Partners Group, proud platinum sponsor of the Panyaza Lesufi Foundation Golf Day, I am greatly honoured to be here this evening and to be given the opportunity to say a few words.
In the first instance, I must emphasise quite categorically that all representatives of the Strategic Partners Group – or SPG as it is more commonly known – and who are represented at tonight's auspicious gathering, share the Honourable Premier's passion for the education and development of our country's black children.
As a pre-eminent black business entity, SPG is acutely conscious of the need to proactively overcome the stark inequalities and levels of under performance that continue to afflict our educational system, and which have deep roots in the legacy of apartheid.
Although since 1994 our Government, and Premier Lesufi in his previous role as Gauteng MEC for Education, have made significant strides in uplifting educational benchmarks and facilities we remain confronted by too many schools with inadequate attendance, crumbling infrastructure, sub-standard classrooms and unacceptable educational outcomes.
It was America's President Herbert Hoover who so correctly stated that children are our greatest asset. They are also every nation's most vulnerable citizens, and without ensuring that they are the beneficiaries of a successful education, South Africa and indeed every other country in the world, will be deprived of effective and efficient leaders as well as decent, well-informed productive citizens.
Being well educated and smart is even a valuable asset for good golfers as indicated by the clever young man enjoying a round with his parish priest. At a short par 3, the priest asks: "What are you going to use on this hole, my son?"
The young man says: "An 8-iron father, how about you?"
The priest says: "I am going to hit a soft 7 and pray."
The young man hits his 8-iron and puts the ball on the green. The priest tops his 7-iron and dribbles the ball out a few metres.
The young man watches and says: "I don't know about you father, but in my church when we pray, we keep our heads down".
Many of my associates, including my old school friend, Bantu Holomisa, have tried hard to persuade me to become a golfer. Having attempted it once or twice, I am inclined to accept the description attributed to Babe Ruth, the famous American baseball player, who said: "It took me 17 years to get 3000 hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course".
To conclude Honourable Premier, dedicated golfers, ladies and gentlemen let us all commit to providing ongoing support to events such as these which target a cause that commands such a critical necessity for the prosperous and stable future of our vibrant democracy.
My business associates and I are firm believers in the astute, anonymous adage which says that: "Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate".
Realisation of that sentiment, Honourable Premier, is one that you and your Foundation are so effectively targeting in the arrangement of today's exceptional event at this magnificent venue.
I salute you and congratulate you on your most laudable commitment to the educational enhancement of South Africa's most precious possessions – our millions of awesome young people.
My sincere thanks to all of you for your kind attention.
Media statement by Mzolisi Diliza, executive chairman of the strtegic partners group, on the company's acquisition of additional shares in Gautrain.
Mzolisi Diliza, Executive Chairman of the Strategic Partners Group (SPG), which is the major empowerment partner in the Gautrain, today disclosed that his company had increased by 12.87 percent its shareholding in the Bombela Concession Company (BCC).
BCC is the company that was appointed by the Gauteng Provincial Government in 2006 for the design, partial financing, build, operation and maintenance of the Gautrain rapid rail link. SPG has been a BCC shareholder since the inception of the Gautrain project. Its original ownership stake was 25 percent and with its latest acquisition, its shareholding has increased to 37.87 percent. BCC holds a 15-year concession for operating and maintaining the Gautrain system. The concession ends in 2026.
Diliza described SPG's acquisition of the additional BCC shares as a significantly positive development for the black business community in South Africa.
"SPG is a wholly-owned black company that provides employment for more than 600 people. By increasing our stake in the massively successful and world class Gautrain operation we are effectively demonstrating the capacity of the black business sector to meaningfully take advantage of, and invest in, opportunities that present themselves in our country's business environment".
It was pointed out by Diliza that SPG's decision to increase its BCC shareholding followed moves by two offshore investors – Bombardier and Bouygues – to dispose of their BCC shares. Two other South African companies, Murray and Roberts and another empowerment entity the J and J Group, also increased their shareholdings and Diliza said the effect of these acquisitions was that BCC had now become entirely owned by South African organisations. Both the Competition Commission and the Gautrain Management Agency, he added, had approved the deal that had been concluded.
"Our acquisition of the BCC shares came at a cost of R270-million and we negotiated a favourable funding arrangement with ABSA Bank. This meant that we did not have to make use of our existing cash reserves or appeal to shareholders for contributions.
"What has emerged is a commercial arrangement that truly advances real black economic empowerment in our country and one that in the longer term will enhance returns for SPG shareholders.
"We also believe," Diliza concluded, "that our new acquisition will create additional growth opportunities for SPG."
M G Diliza (011) 944 6700.
12 December 2017
SPG article in Business Day Empowerment Supplement
Strategic Partners Group (SPG) is the BEE partner of Bombela, the concession company that built and operates the Gautrain, the state-of-the-art, high-speed commuter rail system that links Pretoria, Johannesburg and Sandton with OR Tambo International Airport. The company was formed in 2002 under the leadership of its founding executive chairman Mzolisi Diliza, and consists of a group of 12 organisations and individuals that represent the broad-based interests of a large number of previously disadvantaged South Africans.
Although established primarily to partner Bombela, which was responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Gautrain, SA's biggestever construction project, it was always the intention that SPG could and would be used as a vehicle through which to pursue other investment opportunities. SPG shareholders represent a wide range of previously disadvantaged people, and include women, youth, black managers, professionals and prominent members of organised black business, says Diliza. ‘Company expertise includes, but is not limited to, the construction, financial services, telecoms, advertising, resources, education, transportation and mining industries. The group's primary objective is to be the pre-eminent South African-based investment company.'
Diliza is a leading member of the SA business community. He is engaged in a range of activities that keep him at the forefront of major industrial and commercial initiatives. A former chief executive of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa – a position he successfully occupied from March 1998 to December 2010, Diliza played a leading role in mining industry policy formulation. He was a primary participant in the complex tripartite negotiations that produced the Mining Charter, SA's first BEE template. Economic transformation is one of Diliza's major personal passions.
He was an active member of SA's original BEE Commission that laid the foundations for the development and promulgation of the BBBEE Act. A director of many SA firms, among them Growthpoint Properties, the country's largest listed property group, Diliza's wealth of experience, exceptional credentials and comprehensive understanding of socio-economic and political dynamics ensure that he is optimally positioned to lead and add value to the legitimate practices and activities of virtually any organisation seeking involvement in SA's competitive business environment.
With headquarters in Sandton, SPG provides employment for more than 500 people and remains an active and meaningful participant across the entire operational value chain of the Gautrain project. Management and control of the group's centralised functions reside in the Sandton head office. These include strategic direction, financial and risk management, HR and CSI as well as legal matters.
Lodged within the SPG group of firms are three wholly owned divisions – SPG Concessions, SPG Construction and SPG Investment and Operations. The core business of SPG Concessions is to function as an investment company and it is the ‘home' of SPG's investment interests and involvement in the Gautrain concession, as well as its shareholding in the numerous connecting entities within the Gautrain family of companies. Additionally, it is the instrument used by the group to tender for and secure additional business opportunities within the Gautrain reserve, as well as others located outside of the Gautrain domain.
All of SPG's Gautrain construction and engineering activities were carried out by SPG Construction in joint ventures with its technical partners. These included track laying, massive earth-moving operations and the construction of the Midrand, Rosebank, Hatfield and Sandton stations. Also completed was the Bombela operating company's administration building and train depot in Midrand. There are several operational entities for which SPG Investment and Operations (SPGIO) is the holding company.
The first of these is SPGIO Security JV, which is a black-owned, managed and led security company that is the main provider of guarding services to the Gautrain. Founded on the ethos of high-quality service, the organisation strives to ensure that the highest standards of service provision are maintained. There is insistence on the delivery of the utmost quality in all areas of operation. Virtually all the guards in evidence at Gautrain stations are employees of SPGIO Security JV. Isithimela Facilities Services, Isithimela Advertising and Isithimela ICT are three of the additional organisations that fall under the SPGIO banner.
The major occupational objective of the facilities services company is to provide facilities management services in the areas of general building maintenance, cleaning, electrical, carpentry and plumbing repairs to its customers, which include the Gautrain stations. Safety is a primary focus of all operational functions undertaken by the company. Through Isithimela Advertising, SPG has exclusive rights to advertising and the sale of advertising space throughout the Gautrain reserve. The firm's mission is to provide affordable and viable advertising space, crossselling radio, print and other media channels in a manner that is of a world-class standard and which utilises media technologies in an uncluttered environment.
The main purpose of the Isithimela ICT company is to make use of the rights granted by Bombela to develop and commercialise the information and communication technology infrastructure for the Gautrain. In a major recent accomplishment, the company completed its work on the creation of a technological environment that will enable Gautrain commuters to make use of their mobile phones and other cellular devices to make phone calls and connect to the internet while at the underground Sandton, Park and Rosebank stations.
The project was undertaken in collaboration with the Gautrain Management Agency, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, Bombela, Vodacom and MTN. Diliza says it is a significant addition to the services and benefits that the worldclass Gautrain extends to the thousands of South Africans and tourists who use it every day as a transport amenity of choice. It represents the first phase of a much broader engineering project that will see the installation of additional technical infrastructure that will extend across the entire Gautrain reserve. ‘This assignment was conducted in a highly complex technical environment and is a notable milestone for SPG,' says Diliza.
‘Our company and its partners will now need to expedite the work that is required to bring finality to an exercise that ultimately will give Gautrain commuters, wherever they find themselves on the system, seamless connectivity to the outside world.' Diliza refers to SPG as a ‘committed South African company that supports all initiatives – whether by government or the private sector – that are aimed at securing a stable and prosperous future for the country and its people. ‘SPG is a responsible corporate citizen,' he says. ‘It's a caring company that subscribes to the highest standards of integrity, environmental protection, ethical corporate governance and ubuntu.'
A well established B-BBEE partner
Mzolisi Goodman Diliza is the executive chairman of the Strategic Partners Group.
He is a pre-eminent member of the South African business community and is currently
engaged in a range of activities that place him at the front-end of major industrial
and commercial initiatives. He spoke to Leadership magazine.
What does your role as executive chairman entail?
As an executive chairman, in addition to the statutory provisions and other conventional
norms, I am empowered by the resolutions of the board of directors to bind and/or
act on behalf of the company on all commercial/business and legal issues. Furthermore,
I am responsible for the leadership of the company, direction and managing its business
with the authorities delegated to me by the board, although the list is not exhaustive,
I am required to:
- Develop the Company strategy and ensure that agreed strategies are reflected in
the business by ensuring that the development of annual plans is consistent with
the agreed strategies.
- Plan human resourcing to ensure that the Company has capabilities and resources
required to achieve its plans.
- Develop organisational structure and establish processes and systems to ensure the
efficient organisation of resources.
- Develop and maintain and effective framework of internal controls over risk in relation
to all business activities including the Group's trading activities, to mention
a few.
Please give a brief background on yourself before you stepped into the position
of executive chairman.
Mzolisi Diliza is a Rhodes University BCom graduate and a Stellenbosch University
Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Administration (Honours) graduate; founding executive
chairman of SPG. Former chief executive of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa,
a position he occupied since 1998 when he became the first black person to occupy
such a position after more than 100 years until his retirement in December 2010.
He is a pre-eminent member of the South African business community and has been
engaged in a range of activities that place him at the front-end of major industrial
and commercial initiatives.
He is the former Chairman of the International Chambers of Commerce South Africa,
and executive member of the Mining Industries Association of Southern Africa, the
London based International Council on Mining and Metals; founding Chairman of the
Black management Forum Investment Company Limited, a position held for more than
10 years.
Diliza participated in a number of Black Economic Empowerment initiatives including
being a former Commissioner of the BEE Commission.
He is a partner and Director of Aurecon, an international company that provides
engineering, management and services for public and private sector clients globally.
Director of the Bombela Concession Company, Bombela Operating Company and Growthpoint
Properties Limited. Chairman of LynCon Construction, Mega Express, a company responsible
for operating the Gautrain buses and Teba Trust Fund, a controlling shareholder
of uBank.
His wealth of experience and exceptional credentials have optimally positioned him
to establish business expertise in mining, consulting engineering, property, infrastructural
development and the creation of an enabling environment for business.
On SPG's board, I am assisted by the following members: David Moshapalo – SPG's
executive deputy chairman, Hermanus Loots – director, Willie Thabe – director, Christo
Gelderblom – director and SPG's finance director.
SPG is a well-established B-BBEE company; tell us more about the firm.
SPG is a BEE Company formed in 2002 by a group of 12 organisations and individuals
representing the broad-based interests of a large spectrum of previously disadvantaged
people. It was formed primarily to partner in Bombela Consortium which was appointed
by the Gauteng Provincial Government to design, build, commission, operate, maintain
and partially finance the Gautrain Rapid Rail Project.
It was always intended that this company could and would be used as a vehicle to
pursue other investment opportunities in the rail and logistics sector.
This company is intimately involved in the operation and maintenance of the Gautrain
System and these entail communications, rail maintenance, automatic fare collection,
signalling and an overhead current distribution system, general maintenance and
cleaning to the coaches and buses.
Mzolisi Goodman Diliza, executive chairman of the Strategic Partners Group
SPG was appointed as the Party that shall have exclusive rights to advertise/sell
advertising space on the Gautrain as well as the rights to develop and operate a
Value Added ICT Network and exploration commercial property development. Currently,
SPG in a joint venture with Continental Outdoor Advertising executing the advertising
rights and are quite advanced in working with the four Mobile Network Operators
(Cell C, MTN, 8ta and Vodacom) to develop an ICT Backbone that will enable the MNO's
subscribers to use their cellular phones in underground stations and the tunnel
network of the Gautrain.
What are some of the main services and products provided by SPG?
Through its subsidiary, SPGIO Security JV is managing, controlling and providing
guarding services to the Gautrain.
It is not only PSIRA registered and complies with all security statutory requirements,
but is also founded on the ethos of high quality service ensuring that the highest
standards of service provision and quality in every area of operation are maintained.
SPG through another subsidiary, Isithimela Facilities Services (Pty) Ltd provides
facilities management services to the Bombela Operating Company in general building
maintenance, cleaning, electrical, carpentry and plumbing repairs.
Another subsidiary is Isithimela Advertising Company whose core business is the
provision of affordable and viable advertising space in outdoor, cross-selling radio,
print and other media channels in a manner that is world class utilizing contemporary
media technologies and opportunities. A business division of kiosk based business
ventures is also offered where several commercial services will be hosted at station
concourse level. Services include vehicle rentals, news media and merchandising.
Furthermore, Isithimela ICT (Pty) Ltd was set up to make use of the rights given
by Bombela Concession Company to develop and commercialise the Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) Infrastructure for the Gautrain. Isithimela ICT is entering a telecommunications
market. It will enable the provision of GSM coverage for customers and passengers
to be able to make calls and access the internet from their phones or any GSM enabled
devices from anywhere within the rail reserve.
For the IICT-Co to be able to offer a range of voice and data services on a commercial
basis including retail broadband service, it acquired an Electronic Communication
Services licence (ECS licence) and Electronic Communication Networks Services licence
(ECNS licence).
As a business leader, what are some of the challenges you have faced and how
have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was that despite the fact that SPG was a start-up B-BBEE company,
it was expected to work side-by-side with established and globalised companies.
It had to deploy professional and support staff, plant and equipment into the Gautrain
project, and more importantly, pay for its equity and post bonds which were equal
to what was to be posted by each of the established companies. We negotiated with
the other three established shareholders an Empowerment Plan to allow SPG to use
its allotted work in negotiating with SPG's strategic partners with experience in
the execution of the workshare in a manner that was not only beneficial to SPG and
its strategic partners but did not compromise the project in terms of the required
technical and financial ability, but be competitive in terms of delivery, time appropriate
quality and pricing.
We had neither a track record as a company, save for the experiences of the individual
company members nor a strong balance sheet for us to approach private sector financial
institutions to pay for our equity and post our performance bonds. I assembled a
small team and we approached the Development Bank of Southern Africa to fund our
equity, and the Industrial Development Corporation, for our Performance and Retention
Bonds.
DBSA granted us a R196 million and IDC R220 million facilities. The intervention
by the two development finance institutions did not only make it possible for us
to meet our financial obligations, but also empowered us to engage with our established
partners as an equal partner who was not just a mere BEE partner, but a partner
that is independent and SPG a black owned, controlled, managed and led company.
Through the innovation of our team and support by our established partners, during
the development phase of the Gautrain project, the Bombela companies awarded SPG
and its strategic partners about R820 million direct work-share and SPG deployed
nearly R40 million of SPG plant and more than 300 people into the project.
What are SPG's short- and long-term goals?
Short-term goals are to maintain and increase our footprint pertaining to our existing
contracts, commercialise our opportunities within the Gautrain Project.
In addition to using the Gautrain being a spring board to other related transportation
and infrastructure projects outside the Gautrain. The long-term goal is to increase
our participation in the Gautrain with a view to achieving the goal of having the
entity that manages South Africa's legacy project, the Gautrain being majority owned
by SPG.
Please tell us about the company's activities in South Africa.
In addition to the above, SPG acquired 35% of the construction company LynCon Construction.
SPG executives involved on various levels of the operational side of the business,
including strategic direction and participating at board level.
Gautrain Empowerment Group Concludes Critical Funding Arrangements
Jan 30, 2007
The Strategic Partners Group (SPG), a Bombela Concession Company partner in the Gautrain project, has successfully and independently concluded its funding arrangements with its major funders.
Announcing this today, SPG Chairman Zoli Diliza, said agreement on funding had come after delicate and intense negotiations with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
Diliza said the two development finance institutions had respectively agreed to provide SPG with a performance bond in the amount of R220-million and a loan facility to the value of R196-million, which are intended to assist SPG in its acquisition of equity in Bombela.
As expected in a project of this magnitude, Diliza added, negotiations were tense as participants were carefully looking at all potential risks. He added that SPG's young, effective and committed negotiation team had worked superbly and had brought a new dimension to South Africa's black empowerment landscape.
"SPG is a group consisting of black-owned companies and, in accordance with its 25% stake, it participated as an equal partner with its counterparts. Today marks the culmination of all the efforts and commitments that were put into the process to ensure that SPG's involvement in Gautrain becomes a reality."
Diliza added that SPG was now intensifying its efforts to expand its capacity to participate fully in all components of the Gautrain project. In addition, it was pursuing all opportunities to ensure additional BEE involvement in the exercise.
"One of our major objectives is the promotion of legitimate and extensive empowerment involvement in all aspects of the Gautrain project. SPG intends to make sure that its processes are both fair and transparent in assisting other role players to come on board."
Diliza said that the empowerment ambitions were in line with SPG's strategic objectives to promote an enabling environment for interested and qualified BEEs to play a meaningful role in the engineering, construction, operational and maintenance-related industries that will be demanded in successful completion of the Gautrain project.
"SPG has already made significant strides in putting in place its own infrastructure as a going concern. The group has appointed more than 200 previously disadvantaged people, some of them in senior technical positions.
"The ultimate goal is to ensure that at the end of this project, or its various phases, black contractors, engineers and other professionals will have been exposed to the professional elements and practices that will enable them to establish, and develop their own sustainable operations and businesses."
Diliza disclosed that SPG was entering into many partnerships with established service providers with a view to deepening its involvement in Gautrain while at the same time acquiring all the skills required for successful completion of the Gautrain project.
Addressing future plans for SPG, Diliza said SPG was determined to build a strong and efficient organization that would continue to exist as a successful and legitimate BEE company into the future.
"With its commitment to the Gautrain project, SPG is actively participating in the development of the Gauteng region and more widely in developing a generation of black builders, engineers and rail infrastructure developers who will in the future be able to build infrastructure in South Africa and the wider African continent."