The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has expressed its dissatisfaction over the absence of the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, during a crucial committee meeting.

The Tuesday absence, coupled with late document submissions, has frustrated committee members who were poised to discuss significant issues pertaining to accountability and transparency within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

However, his absence, accompanied by an apology, was deemed insufficient by the committee.

Macpherson was expected to deliver updates on vital matters such as the Immovable Assets Register and progress reports on the Telkom Towers accommodation and maintenance activities.

The committee, led by Chairperson Ms Carol Phiri, has been particularly concerned with its repeated requests for full access to forensic reports. During the meeting, members underscored the importance of having full visibility on the contents of the Telkom Towers Forensic report, which has not yet been provided to the committee, despite earlier requests. 

The committee stressed that having complete access to the forensic reports and documents within the department is essential to effectively fulfil their duties.

“Furthermore, the committee remains concerned that the Minister has not shared the Oxygen Plant tender forensic report, citing the sensitive nature of its contents. In addition to the Minister’s absence, the committee is highly dissatisfied with the late submission of documents, which hampered its ability to properly prepare for the meeting,” the committee said in a statement.

In response, the Minister’s spokesperson James de Villiers, said the Macpherson had apologised well in advance for his inability to attend the meeting.

De Villiers sent IOL a letters which the Minister had sent to the Committee communicating his position regarding his request for absence and other matters.

In a letter dated September 4, the Minister wrote to the chairperson asking for a postponement due to prior engagements. He offered to avail himself on five different days throughout September including weekends.

“I have communicated my unavailability to Honourable Badenhorst who has agreed to postpone the meeting and will seek permission from the NCOP House Chairperson to hold the meeting at a different date.

“As per my previous communication to you, I have kindly asked that there be liaising with my office in advance on the committee’s programme hearings to ensure I can attend these but unfortunately this has yet to materialise,” read the letter.

In a letter dated September 8, Macpherson explained that the department were late in providing him with necessary documentation for the Immovable Asset Register and the Telkom Towers to prepare for a presentation.

He said the Telkom Towers presentation was only submitted on September 7 in the evening and upon review, a number of material concerns were identified and returned for rectification.

“I have requested the Director-General’s office to initiate disciplinary processes against the officials responsible for the late submission,” he said.

Regarding the Oxygen Plant tender forensic report, he confirmed that he received the report in order to conclude their internal disciplinary investigations and proceedings.

However, if the report were to be made public at this stage, it would potentially jeopardise the disciplinary process.

“If these reports were to be made public, it could result in a trial by media which could affect both the criminal and disciplinary procedures. However, once these have been completed, I will ensure that the Committee is provided with a copy of the report immediately,” he said in a letter. 

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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