EFF
By Thabo Mosia
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Secretary-General, Marshall Dlamini, has filed a criminal case against Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, accusing him of corruption. The party alleges that the minister interfered in the Independent Development Trust’s (IDT) tender processes, favouring white minority capital. This case, according to the EFF, highlights systemic governance issues in public institutions under Macpherson’s watch.
Allegations of Misconduct and Violation of Regulations
EFF Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini announced on Wednesday outside the Pretoria Central Police Station that the party is in possession of “damning evidence” implicating Minister Macpherson. He stated, “We’ve got an email from a minister demanding a payment for a specific contractor called Lonerock Construction. The minister, according to the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, has no role in the financial or operational matters of IDT.”
The case stems from an incident in December 2024 when Macpherson allegedly emailed an IDT programme manager instructing them to process a payment of over R19 million to Lonerock Construction. According to Dlamini, the email was sent without the required authorisation from the National Treasury or the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). This payment, the EFF argues, bypassed proper channels and regulations, raising serious concerns about governance.
Dlamini further alleged that Macpherson violated National Treasury regulations, which require clear approvals for any payment variations. “This variation is not just an open cheque. There must be clear authority,” he said. The EFF believes this act exemplifies corrupt practices within the DA-led department.
DA’s Defence of Minister Macpherson
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has rejected the allegations, calling them politically motivated. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp stated, “The DA categorically rejects the allegations being made against Dean Macpherson. These accusations are an attempt to derail his anti-corruption initiatives within the department.”
Minister Macpherson has been under scrutiny for his handling of the IDT’s operations. However, the DA highlighted his commitment to reforming the department and tackling corruption. The party pointed to Macpherson’s independent investigation into irregularities involving a R800-million oxygen tender, awarded by the IDT. According to the DA, these efforts demonstrate his dedication to transparency and accountability.
EFF’s Evidence and Demands
Dlamini explained that the evidence includes an email sent by Macpherson to an IDT staff member. He alleged that Macpherson directly instructed the payment to Lonerock Construction, a white-owned company, despite objections from the staff. “The evidence is there. The police have everything they need to investigate and take action,” Dlamini said.
The EFF also accused Macpherson of targeting the IDT’s governance structures for political gain. The party claims that Macpherson’s intention to remove Advocate Kwazilenkosi Mshengu, the IDT board chairperson, is part of a strategy to install DA-aligned individuals. “This is not governance; it is political interference,” Dlamini added.
The Broader Implications of the Allegations
The case has reignited debates about the DA’s governance approach, particularly accusations of prioritising “white minority capital.” The EFF stated that Macpherson’s actions reflect a deliberate pattern of undermining black-owned enterprises and public trust.
In addition to the Lonerock Construction payment, the EFF has accused Macpherson of bribing media personnel to tarnish the reputation of the IDT CEO. The alleged aim was to replace the CEO with a DA-aligned executive. “This campaign highlights a deliberate attempt by the DA to capture public entities,” the EFF’s statement read.
Minister Macpherson’s Initiatives and Ongoing Controversies
Minister Macpherson has been at the centre of multiple controversies since his appointment in July 2024. Despite criticism, he has been vocal about addressing corruption in the department. One of his notable initiatives was the independent investigation into the R800-million Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant tender, which was plagued by allegations of irregularities.
However, his critics argue that these efforts have been overshadowed by accusations of patronage and selective enforcement of accountability. Political analyst JJ Tabane recently published an opinion piece suggesting that Macpherson’s actions are more about consolidating DA control over public institutions than fostering genuine reform.
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