ActionSA demands Minister Macpherson repay R839,000 Brazil travel costs

ActionSA has formally called on the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, to refund R839,000 in taxpayer funds used for a trip to Brazil.
The party alleges the Minister included his partner on the trip, despite reportedly receiving legal advice advising against doing so.

EXCESSIVE TRAVEL SPENDING
Member of Parliament Malebo Kobe noted that this specific excursion contributes to a total of R3.2 million in travel expenses racked up by the Minister as of June 2025. This figure sits within a staggering R448 million broader government travel bill that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition benches.

According to the party, the Brazil trip was further marred by administrative inefficiency, alleging that three non-refundable flight bookings were made due to internal departmental confusion.

DEMANDS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
ActionSA is demanding more than just a refund. The party’s list of requirements includes:

Full repayment of the R839,000.

A public apology for the expenditure.

Renewed support for the "Cut Cabinet Perks Bill," an ActionSA-led legislative effort aimed at curbing executive travel privileges.

In a stern statement, Kobe emphasised that the current economic climate makes such spending inexcusable:

“South Africans are tightening their belts. Ministers must do the same and not expect taxpayers, already under pressure, to finance the getaways of ministers and their partners. As ActionSA, we call on Minister Macpherson to immediately pay back the wasted taxpayer money and provide a full public explanation and apology for this abuse. South Africa cannot afford ministers who treat the public purse like a personal travel fund.”

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has yet to issue a formal rebuttal regarding the legality of the partner's travel or the flight booking errors.