By Marnely Arnoldi.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the election of Zimbini Hill as chairperson of the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
The Minister was also pleased with the appointment of Professor Raymond Nkado as deputy chairperson of the organisation. Both individuals served on the previous IDT board.
The IDT is a State-owned entity that manages the implementation and delivery of critically needed social infrastructure programmes on behalf of government.
Macpherson said Hill and Nkado’s leadership during a difficult period for the IDT had been critical to the entity’s turnaround, following a period of corrupt, vested interests that sought to collapse the IDT.
He lauded their contribution to IDT’s improved governance, infrastructure delivery and public confidence levels.
Under the newly constituted board, Macpherson expected Hill and Nkado to move swiftly in finalising outstanding matters, including lifestyle audits of senior executives, implementation of audit recommendations and the conclusion of key investigations into alleged procurement irregularities.
In particular, the new board has been tasked, from July 5, to process the outcome of an EY forensic audit into the R800-million PSA Oxygen plant tender, which is due to be released shortly.
“The IDT has a critical role to play in turning South Africa into a construction site. The appointment of a credible and capable board is central to that mission.
“I look forward to working with the board to enhance service delivery, expand job creation and ensure that public funds are spent responsibly,” Macpherson said.