EFF opens case against Macpherson for IDT ‘interference’
The EFF has opened a criminal case against Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, accusing him of corruption.
The party claims Macpherson is colluding with the DA “to misuse state institutions to benefit white monopoly capital”.
The allegations stem from a December 2024 email in which Macpherson allegedly instructed a programme manager at the Independent Development Trust (IDT) to facilitate payment to Lonerock Construction.
The email reads: "You will appreciate that I don't normally get involved in matters like this, but it appears that commitments have not been executed, and now I am being dragged into this matter.
“Can I please receive an urgent report on why IDT has not done this and resolved this matter despite assurances that this would be done?”
This demand could be in violation of National Treasury regulations.
Lonerock Construction was appointed by the IDT to rehabilitate sinkholes at Waterkloof Airforce Base as part of a project managed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Speaking outside Pretoria Central Police Station on Wednesday, EFF Secretary General Marshall Dlamini said the party believes Macpherson has a case to answer.
"Despite the IDT staff explaining these necessary steps to the contractor, Lonerock Construction continued to press for immediate payment. Rather than addressing these procedural concerns through proper channels, Minister Macpherson bypassed the IDT’s executive leadership and board, choosing instead to email a junior staff member to demand a report on the payment delays.
“This direct intervention blurred the lines of authority and undermined the IDT’s established governance structures.
“It is evident that the minister’s actions were intended to prioritise the interests of Lonerock Construction, disregarding due process and the financial integrity of the IDT.
“Such interference sets a dangerous precedent and raises serious questions about the Minister’s motives. This calculated manoeuvring casts doubt on the minister’s intentions and reflects his disregard for the IDT’s operational autonomy," continued Dlamini.
"This is a matriculant who is not interested in contributing to infrastructure development. He bypassed the DG, the board, and the IDT leadership to demand payment for one contractor. His focus is clearly on tenders, not development.”
DA Defends Macpherson
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign.
"Minister Macpherson is exposing and stopping corruption, including an R800-million tender scandal involving the IDT. It is no surprise that those implicated would launch personal attacks. This is reminiscent of the state capture era," said party spokesperson Willie Aucamp.
"IDT is an entity that has been unable to submit audited financials since August last year, and has now run out of money under shambolic leadership.
“Minister Macpherson is doing the right thing by unearthing and investigating serious corruption and by stopping the IDT deal. It is a new culture of corruption-busting, which is what the DA proudly brings to government when we come into office.
“Getting in the way of irregular dealings to the value of R800 million will naturally make targets of those cleaning up, but we won’t be deterred at all. This smacks of the state capture days when the pushback against exposure was a Bell Pottinger fightback campaign of personal attacks, bots and biased journalists.”
Macpherson Welcomes PwC Investigation
On Wednesday, Macpherson welcomed the appointment of PwC to investigate the R800 million Oxygen Plant tender awarded by the IDT.
The tender allegedly involved irregularities, including two companies lacking South African Health Products Regulatory Authority registration and another submitting fraudulent documentation.
"The independent investigation will, once and for all, determine whether irregularities occurred during the Oxygen Plant tendering process and whether any further action should be taken against complicit individuals.
“This move forms part of the critical steps we are taking to improve transparency and governance within the department, ensuring no wastage of public funds has occurred,” he said
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