
To download the soundbite of the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, click here https://iono.fm/e/1582716
Parliament, Sunday, 3 August 2025 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, welcomes the decisive and responsible actions taken by Minister Dean Macpherson and the newly appointed Board of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) in response to the findings of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) forensic investigation into the R800 million Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Plant tender.
The suspension of IDT Chief Executive Officer, Ms Tebogo Malaka, as reported in the media and affirmed by the IDT Board’s ongoing internal processes, signals a serious and long-overdue commitment to consequence management within this crucial public infrastructure entity. The PwC report, which uncovered troubling allegations of procurement irregularities, South African Health Products Regulatory Authority non-compliance, and the use of fraudulent documentation, makes it clear that urgent reform is not only necessary, it is non-negotiable.
Minister Macpherson must be commended for initiating the investigation in January, shortly after disturbing allegations first came to light. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional renewal stands in sharp contrast to the culture of impunity that has plagued entities like the IDT for far too long.
Equally, the new Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Ms Zimbini Hill, has demonstrated commendable resolve in handling this matter with the seriousness it demands. Their promise of a lawful, fair, and transparent response, in line with their fiduciary duties, is a critical first step towards rebuilding public trust and restoring the IDT’s operational credibility.
The committee will continue to monitor developments closely. “We expect not only disciplinary action, but also a full review of internal controls and procurement systems to ensure such abuse of public funds can never happen again,” said Mr Badenhorst.
He added: “This is how we begin to restore integrity to public infrastructure delivery. This is how we begin to turn South Africa into the construction site it deserves to be.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY, MR RIKUS BADENHORST.
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