IDT HOSTS MINISTER MACPHERSON AS HE INTRODUCES NEW TRUSTEES OF ITS BOARD

Article by Lebogang Oagile, Pictures by Mahlogonolo Makwela

29 July 2025

On 29 July 2025, the Independent Development Trust (IDT) hosted an induction session for its newly appointed Board of Trustees at the Glenwood Office Park in Faerie Glen, Pretoria. The induction marks a pivotal moment following the dissolution of the previous board by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, amid allegations of maladministration.

Planned as a two-day engagement, the induction formally introduced the new board to the executive structures of the organisation and fostered a strategic dialogue. A key focus of the session was to establish a collaborative approach between the board and executive management on restoring the IDT’s integrity and realigning its operations with its core developmental mandate.

The newly appointed board comprises 12 trustees and is chaired by Ms. Zimbini Hill, who returns to the role she previously held. Professor Raymond Nkado also resumes his position as deputy chairperson, providing continuity in leadership. These appointments signal a renewed commitment to sound governance, transparency, and the effective implementation of the IDT’s programmes in support of the government’s socio-economic development priorities.

Minister Macpherson, pledged his full support to the board, reaffirmed his vision for the entity, stating: “It is my stated goal to see the IDT become the social infrastructure partner of choice.” He emphasised the need for productivity and efficiency, calling on the board and IDT’s executive to ensure that all projects are delivered on time and within budget.

The Chairperson of the board, Zimbini Hill welcomed the Minister’s backing, saying, “We are very fortunate to have the Minister’s support, who has given us clear marching orders. The first thing we need is, to reconfigure the IDT and we need to move from being a trust to a state-owned company and ensure the IDT is financially stable.”