EFF targets Minister Dean Macpherson over R800 million tender

EFF targets Minister Dean Macpherson over R800 million tender! Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has expressed support for the appointment of auditors to investigate a controversial R800 million tender, even as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) filed corruption charges against him.

The tender, initially awarded to provide air purification systems for the Department of Health, has become a lightning rod for allegations of irregularities and political finger-pointing.

EFF Files Corruption Charges

On Tuesday, EFF Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini filed charges against Macpherson at the Pretoria Central Police Station. The party claims to possess evidence showing that Macpherson acted beyond his mandate in relation to the tender.

“We have submitted enough evidence to the police, and they won’t have to do much investigating. An email will be shared shortly,” Dlamini stated.

EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo accused Macpherson of corruption, alleging that he uses intimidation tactics to divert attention from his actions.

“The DA’s manipulation and diversions from corruption will not silence whistle-blowers,” said Tambo.

Allegations and Responses

The EFF’s allegations stem from a series of emails in which Macpherson reportedly questioned delays in payment to a public works service provider. The EFF claims this intervention shows the minister acted improperly.

However, DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp rejected these allegations, labeling them as politically motivated attempts to discredit Macpherson.

“The DA categorically rejects these claims. It is suspicious that such accusations surface as Macpherson uncovers and fights serious corruption, including the irregular awarding of an R800-million oxygen tender by the Independent Development Trust (IDT),” Aucamp said.

Controversial Tender Details

In early 2024, the IDT oversaw the awarding of a tender worth R836 million to three companies. However, the contract was later canceled by the Department of Public Works due to concerns over irregularities.

Macpherson has since stated that the IDT, being involved in the tender process, cannot objectively investigate itself. This position has drawn criticism from the EFF, who accuse him of overstepping his role.

Minister Defends Actions

Macpherson has maintained that his actions were necessary to address potential misuse of public funds.

“I cannot turn a blind eye to possible irregularities involving public money,” he asserted.

His spokesperson, James de Villiers, clarified that the minister had been copied on email threads in December 2024 regarding a delayed payment. In response, Macpherson sought clarity on why the IDT had failed to meet its deadlines for nearly 20 months.

“Several senior officials, including the IDT’s CFO, were included in the email, yet no report was provided to the minister,” De Villiers explained.

He added that Macpherson has been transparent throughout the process, even sharing the contested email with journalists.

“That is hardly the behavior of someone involved in corrupt activities,” De Villiers stated.

Unregistered Companies and Budget Concerns

The controversy deepened after it was revealed that two of the three companies involved in the tender were allegedly not registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.

Additionally, Macpherson’s office discovered that the tender’s budget had ballooned from an initial R256 million to over R800 million.

Forensic Investigation Underway

A forensic investigation, commissioned by the Department of Public Works, aims to scrutinize the processes involved in awarding the tender. The investigation, expected to conclude within eight weeks, will determine whether any officials were complicit in irregular activities.

“This investigation is a critical step in improving transparency and governance in the department,” Macpherson emphasized.

The investigation itself is subject to tender regulations, ensuring that the process is conducted with integrity.

Moving Forward

While the EFF continues to press its case, Macpherson remains resolute, welcoming the probe as an opportunity to address governance challenges within his department.

As the investigation unfolds, the political tensions surrounding the tender are unlikely to abate. However, the outcome will play a pivotal role in determining accountability and restoring public trust in the procurement processes of government institutions.