Public Works Minister Vows MECs, MPs’ Lavish Lifestyles a Thing of the Past

Public Works Minister Vows MECs, MPs’ Lavish Lifestyles a Thing of the Past

  • Newly-appointed Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson has committed to put a cork on "reckless" spending
  • McPherson promised to do away with procuring accommodation and offices for ministers in the 7th administration
  • As a contingency for curbing spending, public works would allocate existing state-owned properties and not procure new ones
    Public Works Minister Dean McPherson thwarts MPs, MECs' lavish lifestyle
    MPs and MECs must take what they get as the Public Works Minister declares there is enough. Image: Darren Stewart

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Public Works Minister Dean McPherson vows to do away with lavish spending
Newly-appointed Public Works Minister Dean McPherson with DA leader John Steenhuisen. Image: Darren Stewart
Source: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — Newly-appointed Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson is pushing for a no-nonsense approach to getting things done right.

McPherson vowed to crack the whip on excessive spending on accommodation and offices to get his department's house in order and minimise unnecessary expenditure, as seen with the previous administration.

No lavish living for MPs, MECs

McPherson was referencing the pattern of spending by Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Executive Council (MECs).

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SABC News reported that McPherson said his department would not allow the procuring of accommodation and offices for ministers in the 7th administration.

The politician, one of the Democratic Alliance's (DA) six ministers, replaced Sihle Zikalala, who is now the Deputy Minister.

As a contingency for curbing spending, he said his department would allocate existing state-owned properties rather than procure new ones.

Use of existing office space, furniture

MacPherson put a firm foot down when he insisted on using existing furniture.

“I have issued a directive that no new houses or offices be procured for ministers and deputy ministers or members of parliament," he said.
"After consultation with the director-generals, I've confirmed that the department has sufficient stock to meet the executive's and MPs' needs."

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McPherson added that no furniture or fittings would be procured for the executive of MPs' homes either.

"This is to ensure that we continue with our cost-cutting programme and that more infrastructure is developed and deployed to more communities.”

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announces cabinet

In related news, Briefly News reported that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi finally announced his cabinet on Wednesday, 3 July, ending a frustrating process of unveiling the executive council members.

The development follows two postponements resulting from the impasse with the DA over position allocations amid protracted Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) negotiations.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Tshepiso Mametela avatar

Tshepiso Mametela (Head of Current Affairs Desk) Tshepiso Mametela is a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience writing for online and print publications. He is the current affairs Head of Desk at Briefly News. He was a news reporter for The Herald, a senior sports contributor at Opera News SA, and a reporter for Caxton Local Media’s Bedfordview and Edenvale News and Joburg East Express community titles. He has attended media workshops, including the crime and court reporting one by the Wits Justice Project and Wits Centre for Journalism in 2024. Email: tshepiso.mametela@briefly.co.za