A heated power struggle has erupted within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, pitting Minister Dean Macpherson against his deputy, Sihle Zikalala. The feud, which has reportedly simmered since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) administration, has prompted Zikalala to call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene.
Zikalala, widely regarded as highly qualified for the role, was demoted in favor of Macpherson, whose qualifications have come under scrutiny. The conflict has intensified with allegations that Macpherson is actively erasing remnants of Zikalala’s tenure, even delving into operational matters typically reserved for administrators.
At the center of the dispute is the Independent Development Trust (IDT), a department subsidiary, where Macpherson has moved to oust board members Advocate Kwazikwenkosi Mshengu and Lindlwa Dlamini, both appointed under Zikalala’s leadership. Macpherson issued letters of intention to suspend the two, citing alleged violations of the Trust Deed.
In his notice to Mshengu, Macpherson argued that clause 14.5 of the Trust Deed rendered the appointment of trustees as chairpersons unlawful. “You unlawfully accepted nomination and appointment, conducted yourself as the chairperson, and continue to do so,” Macpherson stated, adding that he had lost confidence in Mshengu’s ability to fulfill his duties.
Mshengu, however, fired back in a strongly worded response, accusing Macpherson of factual inaccuracies and a lack of understanding of the Trust Deed. “This is not a representation of why I should not be removed but an attempt to correct your insidious factual inaccuracies, distortions, slander, and contradictions,” wrote Mshengu. He went on to claim that Macpherson’s actions stemmed from a failure to read the relevant documents properly.
The conflict escalated with allegations that Macpherson has been interfering in departmental tenders and payment processes. In November 2024, Macpherson personally issued a notice to suspend the PSA Oxygen Plant tender, claiming its cost had inexplicably ballooned from R256 million to R836 million and alleging the bidding company lacked experience. In a separate incident in December 2024, he reportedly pressured officials to expedite a R5-million payment to a service provider, acknowledging in writing that such involvement was outside his usual purview.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have since filed a criminal complaint against Macpherson for alleged interference in procurement processes. James de Villiers, Macpherson’s spokesperson, dismissed the EFF’s complaint and defended the minister’s actions. “The minister has reported the matter to the president and initiated a forensic investigation to uncover the truth behind the alleged corruption. If there’s nothing to hide, this investigation should be welcomed,” De Villiers said.
The feud has further strained relations within the GNU administration, with Zikalala calling on Ramaphosa to step in. Observers say the situation highlights deeper tensions within the department and raises questions about political accountability and governance in the GNU era.
As investigations unfold, the outcome of this clash will likely have broader implications for both the department and the GNU government’s stability.
