New data reveals the urgency for digital transformation across SA’s FM sector

New data from MRI Software, a global leader in property and facilities management solutions, reveals that 73 percent of South African facility managers expect to stay in the profession over the next five years – despite facing mounting pressure from heavy workloads, outdated infrastructure, and tight budgets.

The Voice of the Facility Manager 2025 report, based on feedback from over 350 FM professionals across EMEA shows urgent need for digital transformation in the sector.

South Africa’s facility managers call for smarter technology and greater support as workloads and budget pressures mount. A new industry report reveals that South Africa’s facility managers are feeling the pressure of heavy workloads, outdated infrastructure, and tight budgets – yet they remain optimistic about the power of technology and AI to transform their workload.

The Voice of the Facility Manager 2025 report by MRI Software surveyed over 350 facility management professionals across the EMEA region, with South Africa representing the largest share (44%). The findings shine a spotlight on the local state of facility management – from daily demands to strategic outlooks.

“Facilities managers in South Africa are navigating a perfect storm of resource constraints, aging equipment, and rising expectations,” says Mark Fairweather, Managing Director, Africa, at MRI Software. “Yet, despite these challenges, the industry is resilient and optimistic. This report is a call to action – for smarter tools, stronger investment, and greater strategic recognition of facility management’s role in organisational success.”

South Africa in focus – key findings:

• Busy and under pressure: 62 percent of facility management professionals across the region say they are “far too busy” or “on the busy side” – with South African respondents reporting the highest levels of workload pressure.

• Budget constraints bite:

24 percent of facility management teams have experienced budget cuts in the last three years, and 46 percent say cost is the biggest barrier to adopting new technology.

• Tech dissatisfaction rising:

South Africa reports the highest dissatisfaction with facility management technology systems among all regions surveyed.

• Health and well-being at risk:

48 percent of facility managers say their job has no negative impact on their mental health, but 30 percent report mild effects, and 18 percent report moderate effects.

• AI on the rise:

68 percent of facility management professionals plan to invest in new technology within 12-18 months, and 45 percent say they would switch to new solutions specifically for AI capabilities.

• Sustainability is critical:

38 percent of South African facility managers view net-zero targets as essential, the highest among EMEA regions.

Despite the pressures, there is strong loyalty to the profession with 73 percent of respondents expecting to remain in facility management for the next five years. “What’s clear is that the future of facility management is digital, data-driven, and sustainability-focused,” adds Fairweather. “Technology adoption – especially AI – is no longer optional. It’s essential for operational resilience and future growth.”

A sector in transition

The report shows that experienced facility managers are more likely to report job satisfaction and better worklife balance – but also flag growing concern over training gaps. In South Africa, the push for legal, compliance, and ESG-related training is particularly strong, reflecting the need for upskilling in response to shifting regulations and performance demands.

“With rising complexity and a growing skills gap, facility management leaders must not only modernise systems, but also invest in people,” Fairweather concludes. “This is how we’ll future proof facility management in South Africa.”

MRI Software is a global leader in property and facilities management solutions, helping organisations across Africa and beyond to streamline operations, improve compliance, and drive sustainability. To access the full Voice of the Facility Manager 2025 report, read the MayJune '25 issue of African Cleaning Review.