The study provides an overview of private sector investment in South Africa from 1980 to 2019. It reviewed investment policies and trends of private investment. The government policies were designed to accelerate employment creation, stimulate sustainable economic growth, and promote private investment. It is found that the level of investment by the private sector was higher than public investment for the period under review. For the South African economy to grow at the desired rate, it needs further investment from the government and the private sector. To encourage private investment, the government needs to continue to create a conducive environment for the private sector to participate in the economy.