By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) minister Dean Macpherson has dismissed reports that his official trip to attend BRICS summit in Brazil cost R839,000.
Macpherson clarified that the actual expenditure was R350,000, not the higher figure cited by City Press.
He claims the publication has corrected its false article claiming he ignored legal advice on his partner’s travel to Brazil and inflated the trip cost to R839,000 – when confirmed expenditure was R350,000.
He further said their social media post on X was subsequently deleted.
The minister claims that this reporting is part of a coordinated fightback campaign to derail our clean-up at his department, after reports that communication to his office and that of the DG’s is being intercepted and that SSA has been asked to investigate.
Despite the intimidation tactics, he asserts that he will not be deterred from cleaning up the department.
Fullview understands the Brazil trip was further marred by administrative inefficiency, with three non-refundable flight bookings were made due to internal departmental confusion.
Meanwhile ActionSA has been at forefront of the cabinet ministers overseas trips, using parliamentary questions and legislative proposals to push for reforms. The party has introduced legislation aimed at abolishing deputy minister positions and reducing the perks enjoyed by members of the Executive.
The party has formally called on Macpherson, to refund the taxpayer funds used for a trip to Brazil.
It further alleges that the Minister included his partner on the trip, despite receiving legal advice advising against doing so.
Member of Parliament Malebo Kobe noted that this specific excursion contributes to a total of R3.2 million in travel expenses racked up by the Minister as of June 2025. This figure sits within a staggering R448 million broader government travel bill that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition benches.
As South Africa faces numerous socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and inequality, the lavish spending on ministerial travel raises questions about the government’s priorities and its commitment to fiscal responsibility.