Public works reform shows early gains, but cleanup far from over – Minister Macpherson

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says his department is beginning to show signs of recovery, after years of stalled projects, corruption allegations and weak delivery.

Speaking on 702, Macpherson described Public Works as a department that had long been reduced to ‘a manager of bad buildings and overseer of incomplete projects’, instead of acting as an engine for economic growth.

“That’s how we’ve tried to restructure and reposition the portfolio – to think in advance, act with vision, and deliver with purpose,” he said.

Construction sector turnaround

Macpherson pointed to recent gains in the construction sector as evidence that reforms are starting to work.

“Up until quarter three of last year, there had been three consecutive declining GDP contributions from the construction sector. That flipped for the first time in a year,” he said.

He added that 130,000 new jobs were created in construction in the third quarter, accounting for about half of all new jobs in the country.

But he conceded that major weaknesses remain, particularly around completing projects on time and managing the state’s vast property portfolio.

IDT fallout and corruption claims

The minister also addressed the controversy at the Independent Development Trust (IDT), where former CEO Tebogo Malaka resigned ahead of a disciplinary hearing linked to an R836 million oxygen plant project.

Macpherson said Malaka’s resignation would not shield her from accountability.

“Absolutely not. No golden handshake, no exit payments,” he said. “Her resignation does not absolve her from criminal or civil litigation.”

He added that he had personally laid criminal charges in the matter, sending a message that wrongdoing would not be tolerated.

“If you steal or do anything wrong, I will personally deal with that,” Macpherson said.

‘I was crucified’ for cleanup drive

Macpherson said efforts to clean up the IDT had come at a personal cost.

“When I started the cleanup, I was crucified. Front pages calling me corrupt, accusing me of bribing journalists,” he said.

He revealed that law enforcement had even intercepted WhatsApp messages discussing threats against him.

“That’s not great when you get given that sort of thing,” he said, adding that he remained determined to dismantle what he believed was a wider network of corruption.

Public Protector clears minister

The minister welcomed the Public Protector’s recent finding that he had not breached the executive ethics code, after complaints of political interference.

“She said I did the right thing,” Macpherson said, explaining that he had merely exercised oversight after a complaint about late payments.

“I cannot interfere and say you must pay this person, but I have every right to ask why regulations are not being adhered to.”

Late payments and digitisation

On chronic late payments to contractors, Macpherson said the department now pays between 98% and 99% of invoices within 30 days.

“That’s not good enough for me. I want 100%,” he said.

He said digitisation and e-procurement were key to fixing the system.

“We don’t want to operate on paper. That’s where the fiddling happens,” he said, adding that removing the ‘human hand’ from procurement would reduce corruption.

Turning the tide on construction mafia

Macpherson claimed significant progress in tackling criminal site stoppages, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We used to have 60 stoppages a month. We are now down to less than 10,” he said.

He said 175 people had been convicted for site stoppages, restoring confidence in the construction industry.

Accountability for George building collapse

On the deadly George building collapse, which killed 34 people, Macpherson said criminal accountability was non-negotiable.

“Thirty-four people can’t die, and someone doesn’t end up in jail,” he said.

He confirmed that a forensic report had been handed to affected families but not released publicly at the request of prosecutors.

“We can’t allow the investigation and prosecution to be undermined,” he said.

Macpherson said he hoped arrests and prosecutions would follow ‘sooner rather than later’.

For more information, listen to Macpherson using the audio player below: