Macpherson guns for parties, individuals behind obstructing reforms at IDT

PUBLIC Works Minister Dean Macpherson has hinted at plans to potentially pursue civil litigation against individuals and political parties he claims knowingly spread false allegations relating to the affairs of the Independent Development Trust (IDT).

This after the public protector cleared him of all allegations of ethical misconduct in a complaint by the EFF. Macpherson did not abuse his power or breach the Executive Ethics Code, the public protector found.

In a report seen by IOL, Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka found that Macpherson’s conduct did not breach the Executive Ethics Code or section 96 of the Constitution.

The investigation concluded that he acted within his authority, complied with National Treasury regulations, and exercised no undue influence in his engagement with the public entity.

In its complaint, the EFF alleged that Macpherson had improperly interfered in the IDT’s operations after enquiring about delayed payments to a service provider.

The party claimed his intervention amounted to political overreach and ethical misconduct.

At the heart of the dispute were longstanding delays in payments to contractors.

However Gcaleka found the allegations unsubstantiated.

She said Macpherson’s actions were consistent with cooperative governance and aimed at resolving a prolonged payment issue, in line with Treasury rules requiring service providers to be paid within 30 days.

The report found no evidence of bribery, favouritism, conflict of interest, abuse of power, or undue influence.

It also dismissed claims that journalists had been bribed, noting that the complainant failed to provide any proof to support such assertions.

Macpherson welcomed the findings, describing them as a vindication and accusing the EFF, supported by ActionSA, of pursuing a politically motivated campaign designed to derail efforts to clean up the IDT.

“This complaint was never about ethics or accountability,” Macpherson said in a statement.

“It was about obstructing reform at a time when sensitive investigations were underway, including those linked to the R800 million oxygen plant tender.”

Macpherson said accountability and reform at entities like the IDT were essential to restoring public trust and ensuring that social infrastructure reaches communities in need, particularly in rural and neglected urban areas.

“The Public Protector’s report vindicates our actions to stabilise and reform the IDT so that it can fulfil its mandate of delivering social infrastructure to communities across the country, in both rural and urban areas.

“As we said when these complaints first emerged, we will not be deterred from restoring good governance and accountability within the department and its entities,” he said.

Cape Times