The Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly denied corruption allegations leveled against their Public Works Minister, Dean Macpherson, asserting that his efforts to combat corruption are what have made him the target of a smear campaign. The accusations came to light after it was alleged that Macpherson used emails to influence payments to white contractors, while small minority-owned businesses reportedly went unpaid.
In December, Macpherson allegedly sent an email to a programme manager at the Independent Development Trust (IDT), instructing them to facilitate payment to Lonerock Construction, a company involved in the rehabilitation of sinkholes at the Waterkloof Airforce Base. The project, overseen by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, has raised eyebrows due to Macpherson’s involvement in ensuring payment, despite the matter being outside his direct jurisdiction. According to reports, the contractor, Lonerock Construction, had expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in payment, prompting Macpherson’s intervention.
Macpherson’s email reportedly demanded an urgent update from the IDT, urging them to resolve the matter despite prior assurances. The email reads: “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?” Although IOL attempted to get a response from Lonerock Construction, no comment was forthcoming from the company at the time.
In response to the allegations, the DA expressed skepticism, suggesting that the timing of the accusations was suspicious. The party believes the claims are an attempt to discredit Macpherson just as he was exposing and investigating major corruption scandals, including one involving an irregular R800 million tender awarded by the IDT for the supply of oxygen. The IDT, an entity responsible for managing development projects, has been under intense scrutiny due to its failure to submit audited financials since August of the previous year, with the DA also alleging that the organisation is now facing financial instability due to poor leadership.
The DA issued a statement in support of Macpherson, applauding him for his commitment to uncovering corruption within the IDT and halting deals that could have cost taxpayers millions. “Minister Macpherson is doing the right thing by unearthing and investigating serious corruption, and by stopping the IDT deal,” the DA declared. They further reinforced that the party has always stood for a “new culture of corruption-busting,” one that they promise to continue if they come into power. “This is what the DA proudly brings to government when we come into office,” the statement continued.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been vocal in their criticism of Macpherson’s actions. The EFF condemned his involvement in the affairs of the IDT, accusing him of overstepping his authority. The red berets have announced plans to open a criminal case against Macpherson, accusing him of violating National Treasury regulations and breaching the Executive Members’ Ethics Act. The party’s response signals a growing political confrontation over Macpherson’s actions.
The DA, however, remained resolute in its stance, dismissing the EFF’s criticisms as an attempt to gain political relevance amid their decline. “Getting in the way of irregular dealings to the value of R800 million will naturally make targets of those cleaning up,” the DA responded, adding that they would not be deterred in their efforts to tackle corruption.
As the debate continues to intensify, the political fallout from these allegations shows no signs of abating. While Macpherson’s supporters stand by his efforts to root out corruption, his critics, particularly the EFF, are mobilising to challenge his actions in the courts. The outcome of this high-stakes political drama remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the battle over corruption in South Africa is far from over.
