Wednesday, 22 January 2025.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) takes note of the letter sent by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, to the Chairperson of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) Board, Advocate Kwazilenkosi Mshengu outlining his intention to remove him from office. This letter, masquerading as an effort to address governance issues, is nothing more than a calculated attempt to destabilise the IDT and install DA-aligned board members, trustees, and a chairperson.

The reasons for termination presented in the Minister’s letter are riddled with contradictions and insincerity. For instance, he criticises the board for delays in tabling audited financial statements and addressing governance issues yet fails to acknowledge his own failure to engage meaningfully with the board since his appointment in July 2024. Furthermore, the letter alleges a lack of fiduciary responsibility, citing the PSA Oxygen Plant tender, but neglects to provide substantive evidence to support these claims. Instead, Macpherson conveniently uses media reports and unverified allegations to justify his interference.

It is also worth noting that the alleged irregularities in the PSA Oxygen Plant tender had been addressed by the IDT through proper channels, including communication with the Department of Health and the Global Fund. The Minister’s deliberate misrepresentation of these issues and his failure to act as a constructive executive authority expose his nefarious intentions to destabilise the IDT for political gain.

The EFF has observed Minister Macpherson’s inappropriate meddling in the IDT, including his alarming attempts to bypass governance structures and procedures.

Most recently, on 9 December 2024, the Minister directly intervened by contacting a junior staff member to demand the processing of a payment more than R19 million to Lonerock Construction, despite the absence of required approvals from National Treasury and the DPWI. This blatant abuse of power has raised serious questions about the Minister’s motives and his apparent corrupt relationship with the contractor.

In response to these transgressions, the EFF has formally opened a criminal case against Minister Macpherson, one of the only mechanisms we have to fight DA’s corruption as an organisation committed to accountability and transparency in governance. Our affidavit outlines several breaches of the Executive Members Ethics Act of 1998, specifically:

Section 2 (a)(i) which reads that:

The Code of Ethics must – 

  (a) include provisions requiring Cabinet Members, Deputy Ministers and MECs– 

(i) at all times to act in good faith and in the best interest of good governance. 

Additionally, Minister Dean Macpherson has violated Section 2 (b)(iii), (iv) and (v), which reads as follows:

  (b) include provisions prohibiting Cabinet Members, Deputy Ministers and

MECs from – 

• exposing themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and their private interests
• using their position or any information entrusted to them, to enrich themselves or improperly benefit any other person: and
• acting in a way that may compromise the credibility or integrity of their office or of the government.

The affidavit further notes the allegations that Minister Macpherson engaged in bribery of media personnel to tarnish the reputation of the IDT CEO, a malicious effort seemingly designed to replace her with a DA-aligned executive. This campaign, coupled with his interference in financial operations at the IDT and this intention to remove the board Chairperson, highlights a deliberate pattern of the DA’s inherent corruption and patronage aimed at capturing the institution. This is not an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy by the DA to entrench its control over public entities and prioritise the interests of white private capital.

The EFF demands a full and independent investigation into Minister Macpherson’s conduct. We will continue to resist any attempts to capture public institutions and remain committed to fighting all forms of corruption, whether perpetrated by the ANC or the DA. South Africa deserves leaders who govern transparently, prioritise the majority, and uphold the principles of democracy.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572