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The Public Protector has formally cleared Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson of wrongdoing following an ethics complaint lodged by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), concluding that he did not abuse his office or breach the Executive Ethics Code.
The complaint centred on claims that Macpherson improperly intervened in the affairs of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), a state entity that has faced years of operational and governance challenges.
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In a report, Public Protector Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka found no evidence that the minister’s conduct violated section 96 of the Constitution or the Executive Ethics Code, effectively dismissing all allegations against him.
Public Protector Finds No Abuse of Power by Macpherson
According to the findings, Macpherson acted within the scope of his authority and in line with National Treasury regulations when engaging the IDT. The investigation determined that he exerted no undue influence and complied with all applicable governance requirements.
The EFF submitted the complaint in January 2025, alleging that the minister interfered in the IDT’s operations after raising concerns about delayed payments to a service provider. The party argued that this amounted to political overreach and ethical misconduct.
However, the Public Protector concluded that the intervention was consistent with principles of cooperative governance and aligned with Treasury rules that require service providers to be paid within 30 days.
Longstanding payment delays, particularly to contractors, were identified as a systemic problem across several state entities.
The report found no evidence of bribery, favouritism, conflicts of interest, abuse of power or improper influence.
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Claims of Media Bribery and Political Motives Dismissed
Gcaleka also rejected allegations circulating in political discourse that journalists had been bribed, noting that the complainant failed to provide any proof to substantiate the claim.
Macpherson welcomed the outcome, describing it as a vindication and accusing the EFF, with the backing of ActionSA, of pursuing a politically driven agenda aimed at obstructing reform efforts at the IDT. ActionSA had previously called for his suspension while the investigation was underway.
“This complaint was never about ethics or accountability,” Macpherson said in a statement.
“It was about obstructing reform at a time when sensitive investigations were underway, including those linked to the R800 million oxygen plant tender.”
The Public Protector further noted that the complainant did not respond after a draft report was circulated to all parties in October 2025, a factor that weakened the credibility of the allegations.
Focus Shifts to Reform at the Independent Development Trust
Despite the dismissal of the complaint, the investigation consumed months of public resources and institutional capacity. The IDT itself has long been associated with allegations of misgovernance, waste and institutional collapse—issues that reflect wider public frustration with failing state entities.
Macpherson said accountability and reform within the IDT were essential to restoring confidence and ensuring social infrastructure projects reach communities, particularly in rural and marginalised urban areas.
“The Public Protector’s report vindicates our actions to stabilise and reform the IDT so that it can fulfil its mandate of delivering social infrastructure to communities across the country, in both rural and urban areas.
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“As we said when these complaints first emerged, we will not be deterred from restoring good governance and accountability within the department and its entities,” he said.
The minister added that he is considering civil action against individuals and political parties he claims knowingly spread false allegations.
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