MINISTER MACPHERSON BRINGS INFRASTRUCTURE DIALOGUE TO THE PEOPLE OF EASTERN CAPE

Article by Maanea Maselesele, Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

11 July 2025

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, led by Minister Dean Macpherson, hosted a successful Infrastructure Imbizo at the West End Community Hall in Bethelsdorp, Eastern Cape.

Through the Infrastructure Imbizo, DPWI seeks to promote participatory governance by bringing together communities and government to engage on infrastructure-related challenges, progress, and priorities. It is a platform that ensures infrastructure planning and delivery is people-centred, inclusive, and responsive to local needs.

The event was formally opened by the Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, whose dignified address underscored the significance of this gathering, and set an inspiring tone for the discussions ahead. At the peak of the event, government representatives engaged in a constructive dialogue with community members, who voiced deep concerns about abandoned buildings, failing sewage systems, high unemployment, and other pressing challenges impacting their communities.

According to community members, these challenges have had a significant impact on the overall well-being of their area. High levels of unemployment, deteriorating infrastructure, and the prevalence of abandoned buildings have created conditions that leave many, particularly the youth, vulnerable. Substance abuse has emerged as a coping mechanism for some, underscoring the urgent need for integrated, multi-sectoral interventions that prioritise both infrastructure development and social support.

Minister Dean Macpherson committed to working closely with municipalities, to use state-owned assets to benefit these communities. “Government assets belong to the people of South Africa. We are committed to working with municipalities to ensure that these assets are utilised to serve communities and promote development,” said Minister Macpherson. The Infrastructure Imbizo reflects the Department ’s people-centred approach of working for people and with people. This approach prioritises meaningful community participation in shaping infrastructure solutions that respond to local needs.