Public Works Department blacklists 40 contractors for corruption and non-performance

The Public Works Department has said it has, for the first time in two decades, blacklisted 40 contractors due to corruption and non-performance.

It's understood that the construction industry development board initiated the process in June last year.

Previously, only one company had faced such action in 2002.

Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson said the department is refining its blacklisting procedures to act more swiftly and recover misused public funds.

He said this is part of a broader strategy to root out corruption and support job-creating economic growth.

"The move to blacklist these non-performing contractors is exactly what we promised South Africans when I took office - that those who underperform or engage in corruption will be held accountable and removed from the system. The CIBD’s action to blacklist these contractors means we have put our words into action and sent a clear message: the days of impunity are over," said Macpherson.