Probe into IDT corruption 25% complete - Macpherson

During a Sunday media briefing, Macpherson provided updates on the ongoing probe into IDT’s R800 million Oxygen tender, which was meant to supply oxygen infrastructure to 55 public healthcare facilities nationwide. 

The tender is under scrutiny due to irregularities, including two companies lacking South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) registration and another submitting fraudulent documentation.

Macpherson expressed frustration at the slow pace of the probe, blaming it on political parties using smear campaigns as a delay tactic.

"There are vested interests which are against our attempts to stop corruption and save public money. But I don’t serve them; I serve you, the people of South Africa. The fightbacks would not have been coordinated if the individuals did not have so much to lose, and I have no doubt that there will be names and faces to those losers in time to come."

The minister confirmed that the final report is expected by the end of next month.

He also revealed that his life and safety had been threatened during the investigation. 

"There have been safety threats that have been made against me. They have been reported to the police, and the police are investigating them. Those have come directly to individuals, and they have come indirectly; this is a dangerous territory that we are in. I rely on the SAPS to investigate these matters and I also act on their advice with regards to my safety."

Macpherson also revealed that after requesting details on the tender award process from the IDT board, the report he received was filled with discrepancies. 

"On the 1st of November, I received an executive summary that lacked substance with no supporting documents, no signed contracts, and no evidence of proper procurement procedures. On the 5th of November, I wrote again, this time asking for very specific documentation, including minutes of the bid evaluation and bid adjudication committees. On the 8th of November, the IDT sent a second response but still failed to provide the critical documents that I requested.

"We simply cannot allow close to a billion rand in donor funds to be misappropriated to alleged corrupt activities, particularly when it involves essential healthcare equipment intended to save lives."

Macpherson dismissed the EFF's earlier criminal corruption case against him, stating that the police never contacted him because they saw no merit in the claim. 

"Both ActionSA and the EFF have not apologised, and they both have not acknowledged or refuse to acknowledge their involvement in the disinformation campaign to protect individuals in an entity marred in allegations of corruption and maladministration."

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