Minister Macpherson says he has ‘great relationship’ with Deputy Zikalala

JOHANNESBURG - Despite some ideological differences, Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson said he has a “great relationship” with his deputy, Sihle Zikalala.

Macpherson replaced Zikalala as the DPWI minister following the 2024 general elections.

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In the one year since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African National Congress (ANC) member have publicly squabbled.

Due to their respective political parties, Macpherson and Zikalala stand on opposite ends of the conversation around the Expropriation Act.

Earlier in 2025, Zikalala accused the new batch of DA ministers of taking credit for the previous administration's work.

“Plagiarism and data integrity are not taught at a basic education level.”

Those comments were perceived to be directed at Macpherson, who doesn’t have a tertiary qualification, while Zikalala has a master’s degree.

In an interview with EWN, Macpherson said comments made in Parliament must be taken with a pinch of salt.

“What I don’t accept is people who want to continuously want to drive a wedge between myself and the deputy minister. We have a great relationship.”

Macpherson said disagreements are expected when people come from different political parties.