The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Wednesday opened a case of corruption against Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed strong support for what it describes as Macpherson’s “decisive” actions to uncover and address alleged corruption within the Independent Development Trust (IDT).

The EFF said it opened a case against Macpherson for his alleged “corrupt interference” in tender processes at the IDT, and for the violation of National Treasury Regulations and the violation of the Executive Members Ethics Act.

In December, the EFF claims, Macpherson allegedly sent an email to a programme manager at the IDT with an instruction to facilitate payment to Lonerock Construction.

The EFF said approval was needed from National Treasury and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure before the IDT could process any payments.

The party said Macpherson’s actions undermined the integrity of his department, and also said his alleged actions exposed the DA’s “true intentions to use State institutions to serve the interests of white minority capital”.

DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp said it was suspicious, and “entirely transparent”, that the allegations came just as Macpherson was exposing, investigating and stopping serious corruption, including an R800-million scandal involving an oxygen tender awarded irregularly by the IDT, within his department.

The EFF accused Macpherson of bypassing the IDT’s executive leadership and board, choosing instead to email a junior staff member, asking for a report on the payment delays.

“…this direct intervention blurred the lines of authority and undermined the IDT’s established governance structures,” said EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini.

He claimed that his party had evidence such as “emails from the office of the Minister demanding payment from a specific contractor”.

SUSPENSION

ActionSA has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately suspend Macpherson, pending the outcome of investigations into allegations of criminal and unethical conduct. 

“These allegations, if proven true, represent a grave breach of public trust and demand urgent action,” said ActionSA Member of Parliament Malebo Kobe. 

The party highlighted that it would be formally writing to the Public Protector and the Head of the Hawks to demand immediate confirmation that the complaints filed against Macpherson were being treated with urgency.

“…South Africans deserve transparency and accountability, and we will not stand by while these serious allegations are swept under the rug. Now that formal complaints and charges have been filed, the critical next step is ensuring that the competent authorities, namely the Public Protector and the Hawks, conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. The public must have confidence that those entrusted with governance uphold the highest ethical standards,” said Kobe. 

The party pointed out that it had consistently maintained its stance that Cabinet Ministers must be beyond reproach. 

“We have consistently applied this standard, including in the cases of Minister Thembi Simelane and Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.”

Meanwhile, the DA defended Macpherson’s actions, saying it reflected what should be the standard for all government leaders, “a relentless commitment to exposing and eradicating corruption”.

The party called on the Portfolio Committee of Public Works and Infrastructure to unite behind Macpherson and be as “animated and vigorous” as he is in interrogating corruption and holding officials accountable in the interest of serving the public.

DA deputy spokesperson on Public Works and Infrastructure Edwin Bath said the recent ongoing investigations into the R800-million oxygen plant tender, riddled with irregularities such as unqualified bidders and fraudulent documentation, underscored the Minister’s commitment to “transparency and accountability”.

“An ethical Portfolio Committee should be united in supporting any efforts by the Minister and his department to identify and root out corruption, even if merely alleged, within the department and its entities,” he said.

Bath said the department’s appointment of PwC to conduct an independent forensic investigation was a critical step in ensuring good, transparent governance and the protection of public funds.