The Democratic Alliance debated in the National Assembly today in support of Minister Dean Macpherson’s Budget for the Department, because it is succeeding in turning South Africa into a construction site – with new mega projects, an infrastructure boom and a R1 trillion investment plan.
The DA celebrates that the Department under Minister Macpherson is cleaning out the rot inherited, with 400 senior officials undergoing lifestyle audits.
And the DA recognises the barnstorming success of Minister Macpherson at fighting organised crime in the public works space where the “construction mafia” were holding projects ransom for personal gain.
As projects of the Department grow, delivering economic growth, Minister Macpherson is a leading job creator in South Africa – which the DA is proud to endorse.
Extracts of the DA Debate speeches are as follows and strictly embargoed against delivery:
• New leadership has narrowed the Department’s focus to jobs, lower living costs, and ethical governance.
• The PMTE is finally showing results, with billions in property released and increased investment in maintenance.
• EPWP reforms and infrastructure projects are gaining traction, with over 1 million jobs targeted and R11 billion committed.
• Ethical leadership is being prioritised, with audits, advisory boards, and digital upgrades underway.
• The ‘Adopt-a-Municipality’ pilot links national support to local needs, improving services and creating jobs.
• The Department leads all public infrastructure, guided by the National Infrastructure Plan 2025.
• Minister Macpherson is driving ethical governance, investor confidence, and the #LetsBuildSA initiative.
• Government plans to invest over R1 trillion in infrastructure, including Salvokop and small harbour projects.
• EPWP targets 1 million jobs a year and supports long-term employment through skills training.
• The Department must digitise procurement, tighten financial controls, and improve local oversight.