MINISTER MACPHERSON DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY OVER CGO BUILDING SHUTDOWN

05 December 2025

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, accompanied by the DG Sifiso Mdakane, and senior managers of the department, conducted an inspection and walkabout of the CGO Building earlier today. The purpose was to assess progress made in responding to all the concerns raised by the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) inspectors leading to the issuing of the prohibition notice that caused the shutdown of the department.

The Minister has described the incident as embarrassing and a clear sign of dereliction of duty by those assigned to perform their duties. He has pleaded with staff to exercise duty of care to their functions and responsibilities. This embarrassing episode has been described as an outcome of systematic failures and little care by some people in doing the duties they are employed to do. Minister Macpherson expressed concern about the negative reputation that the department has suffered over this incident especially DPWI being the custodian of state assets.

The management led by the Director-general, assured the minister that they have commenced with consequence management, and requests for accountability from all those assigned to ensure that the CGO Building is conducive and a fit working environment, to deliver services to South Africans.

The Minister was also taken through various areas in the building that have since been repaired, contributing to the partial reopening of the facility. He emphasised the need for officials to take pride in their work and indicated that, where necessary, staff should undergo training or workshops aimed at strengthening work ethic and professional commitment.