Public Works Minister Macpherson takes bold steps against corruption with lifestyle audits for 400 officials
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, says finalising lifestyle audits for over 400 high-risk officials is a critical part of the Department’s efforts to end corruption and restore integrity in its operations.
This comes after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) obtained a recovery order against a contractor that defrauded the Department of R67 million through corrupt tenders.
The Special Tribunal granted the order against Kroucamp Plumbers, whose contracts were found to be irregularly awarded between 2015 and 2019 through falsified bidding documents, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and bribes paid to officials.
“We are working with the SIU to finalise lifestyle audits for over 400 high-risk officials,” Macpherson said. “Together with law enforcement agencies, we will continue to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated.”
He said the case against Kroucamp Plumbers showed the importance of strengthening financial controls and ensuring transparency in procurement.
“This recovery order is another important step in our efforts to root out corruption and recover stolen public funds, as we work to build an efficient department capable of delivering construction projects on time and within budget,” Macpherson said.
“Those who defraud the state and think they can get away with it must think again. We will leave no stone unturned in holding contractors and officials accountable for their wrongdoing, regardless of when it occurred.”
The Tribunal declared contracts worth R67 million, awarded between 2015 and 2019 for vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency sewage blockage interventions, invalid and unlawful.
The SIU’s successful tribunal application also blocks a potential R33 million counterclaim by the contractor against the Department.
Macpherson said since taking office, the Department has worked closely with the SIU to support and speed up investigations into corruption, fraud, and mismanagement.
“The case against Kroucamp Plumbers is a prime example of the importance of our collaboration, as we seek to ensure that public funds are no longer abused.”
Macpherson reaffirmed the Department’s goal of becoming a key driver of infrastructure delivery. “We are working hard to turn the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure into the economic delivery unit of South Africa, ensuring that infrastructure projects are completed on time and within budget, and that not a cent of public funds is wasted.”