By Johnathan Paoli
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an intensification of investigations into the Public Works and Infrastructure Department, amid increasing resignations among senior staff.
This follows the recent resignation of the department’s real estate management services deputy director-general Nyeleti Mthetwa after allegations of mismanagement in the state’s property portfolio.
DA public works and infrastructure deputy spokesperson Edwin Bath welcomed the resignation, but said it highlighted the need for urgent investigations into leases managed under Mthetwa’s watch to assure taxpayers that irregularities were rooted out.
“This development highlights the urgent need for a thorough investigation into all work overseen by the DDG, particularly leases procured under her watch. Every successful effort to expose and probe corruption is a victory for the people of South Africa,” Bath said.
The DA said its participation in the Government of National Unity was aimed at restoring trust in government, protecting resources and unlocking growth in the construction and asset management sectors.
Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson confirmed the resignation, saying Mthetwa quit after being asked to respond to several allegations and before possible suspension.
“The director-general, Sifiso Mdakane, and I are committed to upholding good governance, protecting public resources and ensuring our property portfolio is used for the benefit of all South Africans,” Macpherson said in a statement.
The real estate branch manages billions of rands in government leases and building maintenance.
There have been repeated allegations of irregular payments and inflated rentals, including the failed R1 billion purchase of the Telkom Towers complex in Pretoria, earmarked as a police headquarters but left derelict.
Macpherson said both Mthetwa and the chief girector in the division were issued with letters to address the allegations.
The chief director responded to all and avoided suspension, while Mthetwa answered all except the final one, choosing instead to resign.
Macpherson said he had asked the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to motivate for a presidential proclamation to probe irregular leases with private landlords and questionable emergency maintenance payments.
He stressed that Mthetwa’s resignation would not derail ongoing investigations.
“The probes into the department’s real estate management portfolio will continue. Accountability and integrity remain non-negotiable,” Macpherson said.
The resignation follows a series of governance controversies within departmental entities.
Earlier this month, Independent Development Trust CEO Tebogo Malaka was suspended after a PricewaterhouseCoopers probe into an R836 million oxygen plant project.
Malaka was later filmed allegedly offering a journalist R60,000 to halt reporting on the scandal.
Investigations into leases and maintenance contracts within the department are expected to intensify.
Parliament is also under pressure to step up scrutiny of the department’s property transactions.
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