Zikalala blows the whistle on alleged maladministration in Public Works Department

Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has vowed to leave no stone unturned in his quest to root out alleged maladministration, political interference and irregular appointments within his own department.

Addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during the Public Works and Infrastructure Department’s budget vote, Zikalala said he had already referred several matters to the Auditor-General of South Africa (AG) and the Public Service Commission for investigation, saying the credibility of the government of national unity (GNU) depended on its willingness to confront wrongdoing.

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We must build an ethical, developmental state and deepen good governance.

“We must be honest about this imperative and there must be no holy cows when we see signs of regression,” he said.

Zikalala’s main allegation centred on what he described as the establishment of an “illegitimate unit” within the department that does not form part of the approved organisational structure and was allegedly created without following due process.

“I can confirm that the AG has committed to audit the alleged contracts that the department has entered into through this illegitimate unit.

“The AG’s urgent action will help alleviate pressure that has been exerted on officials to pay for these irregular contracts,” he said.

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The Public Service Commission, Zikalala said, is investigating alleged irregular appointments within the department, including the appointment of a chief director in the director-general’s office.

According to Zikalala, the chief director in question allegedly does not possess the required qualifications or experience.

“If this is true, it will not just be an example of cadre deployment, but the highest level of nepotism and maladministration,” he said.

The battle against corruption, Zikalala said, should transcend political affiliation.

Irrespective of political party, we must fight maladministration and corruption. If we are serious about dealing with corruption, we should always lead by example. Otherwise, if we do not practise what we preach, we will be seen as hypocrites.

Zikalala cautioned senior officials against carrying out unlawful instructions, even when they originate from political principals.

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“Under no pressure should officials manipulate rules to satisfy individuals. Prudent and professional leadership is required of all of us,” he said.

Public Works and Infrastructure spokesperson James de Villiers said the irregularities highlighted by Zikalala were a matter of public record and that Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson also alluded to them during the budget vote.