Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, has directed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to conduct an investigation into the top ten highest-paid landlords contracted by his department.
The request comes after the Auditor General made several startling disclosures about suspected mishandling and irregular payments related to leasing agreements with private landlords, as well as payment concerns for day-to-day emergency maintenance of public buildings.
“We will be unable to turn South Africa into a construction site and use public assets for the public good unless we are able to root out corruption, remove ethically compromised public servants and ensure that public money is spent towards their intended goals," Macpherson said.
"Every single cent is necessary to improve the lives of South Africans by expanding infrastructure projects, growing the economy, and creating thousands of new jobs."
Macpherson’s demand follows a devastating report by the Auditor General, which revealed overpayments and other illegal practices related to private sector lease arrangements.
The SIU inquiry will concentrate on the 2021/22 and 2022/23 fiscal years, during which the department reportedly made several payments for the same services, labeled routine work as emergencies, and paid for services that were never provided.
In addition to lease agreements, the SIU will investigate irregular payments for facility maintenance, which has resulted in several complaints, such as false supplier invoices and inflated prices.
"The department's Anti-Corruption and Fraud Awareness Unit has been overwhelmed with allegations, and it's clear that immediate action is needed," said James de Villies, DPWI minister’s spokesperson.
Macpherson, who has been in office for just two months, has wasted no time in confronting the corruption plaguing his department.
“Since I was appointed ... I vowed to bring an end to the era of corruption and wasteful expenditure within the department by taking serious actions to investigate any allegations and recuperate any wasted taxpayer money,” the minister said.
The minister is also conducting independent investigations into other high-profile incidents in the department.
These include an investigation of the failed Telkom Tower project in Tshwane, where more than R900 million was spent on structures that are still unusable, and an R300 million IT security breach that lasted a decade. Further legal action is being taken against Kroucamp Plumbers, who reportedly paid officials R300,000.
Macpherson emphasised that rooting out corruption is essential for South Africa's infrastructure development.
"To turn the tide against corruption within the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, daily action is required which will lead to us uncovering corruption and ensuring that those guilty are held responsible,” Macpherson said.