MINISTER MACPHERSON REVIEWS 2025 PROGRESS AND SETS ACCELERATED INFRASTRUCTURE AGENDA FOR 2026

Article and Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

11 December 2025

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has delivered a comprehensive review of the Department’s 2025 performance, outlining governance reforms, progress on key infrastructure projects, and a renewed focus on delivery and accountability heading into 2026.

Speaking at the GCIS Imbizo Centre in Cape Town, Macpherson said the year marked “a turning point in stabilising systems, restoring confidence, and rebuilding South Africa’s construction capacity.” Macpherson highlighted early signs of sector recovery, noting that construction created more than 130,000 jobs in the third quarter of 2025. He credited improved governance and interventions to curb construction mafia disruptions. “Confidence is slowly being restored and effectively, the market is beginning to believe that what government says, government will do.” he said.

Cabinet confirmed key appointments, including Mameetse Masemola as Head of Infrastructure South Africa and Dr Riaan Botha as DDG for Facilities Management. ISA has advanced 31 completed projects, 78 under construction and R370 billion in new submissions, while new Land Affairs Board has been reinstated to clear backlogs delaying energy transmission projects.

The Minister also confirmed progress on lifestyle audits, ghost-employee checks, the George collapse investigation, the PwC oxygen-plant probe and the Telkom Towers forensic review. “Our focus in 2026 is clear: to push harder, deliver faster, and turn South Africa into a construction site that supports growth, investment, and jobs.” said the Minister.