Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson has welcomed the appointment of five new trustees to the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
“The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, welcomes the Master of the High Court’s appointment of five new trustees to the Independent Development Trust. The Minister has consequently written to the IDT board, now fully quorate for the first time in a year and a half, urging members to convene urgently to elect a chairperson among themselves to ensure optimal functioning of the agency,” said the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in a statement on Wednesday.
The five newly appointed members to the board are Zimbini Hill, Jeffrey Mahachi, Raymond Nnaemeka Nkado, Nangamso Msuthukazi Matebese, and Bella Zoleka Mnanzana.
They join Matodzi Ratshimbilani and Derek Naidoo, whom the Minister previously appointed as his representatives to the board, as well as Mpilo Mbambisa, Lufuno Nevondwe, Karabo Siyila, and Prudence Mkhwanazi, who previously served on the board.
Macpherson said there has been allegations of corruption and governance issues at the IDT. The IDT is a Schedule 2 state-owned entity which manages the implementation and delivery of critically needed social infrastructure programmes on behalf of the government.
“Officials and I have worked tirelessly since then to uncover the truth and restore governance stability after months of the board operating without a quorum,” Macpherson said.
He also expressed his good wishes to the board “as they embark on the critical task of cleaning up the agency and restoring the IDT to its rightful position in delivering social infrastructure.”
He is also looking forward to the swift conclusion of the PwC independent investigation to ensure accountability, including potential criminal prosecution, where necessary. The investigation is around the circumstances of the awarding of a controversial R800 million Oxygen Plant tender awarded by the IDT.
READ | Macpherson welcomes PwC probe into R800m oxygen plant tender
“The IDT has a crucial role in transforming South Africa into a construction site, thereby driving economic growth and, importantly, creating jobs. It is through the transparency and accountability that we have introduced at the department that we will be able to enhance service delivery and build a better South Africa,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
