EFF opens case against Macpherson over IDT tender ‘interference.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has opened a corruption case against Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson, for alleged misconduct and interference in governance processes.

The EFF said it opened a case against Macpherson for his “corrupt interference” in tender processes at the Independent Development Trust (IDT), and for the violation of National Treasury Regulations and the violation of the Executive Members Ethics Act.

In December, the EFF claims, Macpherson allegedly sent an email to a programme manager at the IDT with an instruction to facilitate payment to Lonerock Construction.

The EFF said approval was needed from National Treasury and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure before the IDT could process any payments.

The party said Macpherson’s actions undermined the integrity of his department, and also said his alleged actions exposed the DA’s “true intentions to use State institutions to serve the interests of white minority capital”.

DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp said it was suspicious, and “entirely transparent”, that the allegations came just as Macpherson was exposing, investigating and stopping serious corruption, including an R800-million scandal involving an oxygen tender awarded irregularly by the IDT, within his department.

The EFF accused Macpherson of bypassing the IDT’s executive leadership and board, choosing instead to email a junior staff member, asking for a report on the payment delays.

“This direct intervention blurred the lines of authority and undermined the IDT’s established governance structures, “said EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini.

He claimed that his party had evidence such as “emails from the office of the Minister demanding payment from a specific contractor”.

Meanwhile ActionSA has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately suspend Macpherson, pending the outcome of investigations into allegations of criminal and unethical conduct. 

“These allegations, if proven true, represent a grave breach of public trust and demand urgent action,” said ActionSA Member of Parliament Malebo Kobe. 

The party highlighted that it would be formally writing to the Public Protector and the Head of the Hawks to demand immediate confirmation that the complaints filed against Macpherson were being treated with urgency.

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