MINISTER AND DEPUTY MINISTER OF DPWI TABLE THE DEPARTMENT’S BUDGET VOTE

Article by Fanisa Makhubela, Pictures by GCIS, Mahlogonolo Makwela and Caroline Mokotedi

10 July 2025

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala delivered the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament, outlining bold reforms to improve service delivery, fight corruption, and drive inclusive infrastructure development.

Key points from Minister Macpherson were;

• Over 250 projects worth R268 billion that are in the pipeline.
• Lifestyle audits for 400 high-risk officials and action against ghost employees.
• 40 contractors face blacklisting for poor performance.
• R6 billion in lease costs to be saved by moving to state-owned buildings.
• EPWP reforms to include digital tools and skills training for 23,000 participants.
• Launch of “Adopt-a-Municipality” to support struggling municipalities.
• Major push toward digitisation for faster delivery and accountability.

Key highlights from Deputy Minister Zikalala:

• 48 Welisizwe Bridges completed; 51 under construction, creating local jobs.
• 315 social infrastructure projects delivered through the IDT.
• R100 million set aside for emerging contractors through the B.U.I.L.D Fund.
• Operation Bring Back to recover over 1,200 hijacked or stolen state properties.
• Implementation of the Expropriation Act to support land reform.
• Commitment to climate-resilient, green infrastructure.

The message was clear, the department is not just fixing buildings, it’s rebuilding trust, unlocking opportunity, and laying the foundation for a more inclusive, future-ready South Africa.