Tensions flare Public Works heads clash over expropriation bill
IN AN ALREADY tense political landscape, another simmering dispute has come to the fore within the ranks of the Government of National Unity.
At loggerheads are the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson and his deputy, Sihle Zikalala.
The fires were already stoked after the DA slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa for making “unilateral decisions”, the latest case in point being the recently signed Expropriation Bill, which was rubber-stamped last week.
Zikalala publicly backed the bill, while Macpherson and his party, the DA, rejected it.
The tension, primarily rooted in political and administrative differences, reflects the broader ideological divides between their respective parties: the ANC, which Zikalala is part of, and Macpherson of the DA.
Both parties are members of the GNU, which was formed last year after no party was able to attain a majority advantage during the 2024 general elections.
There were reports that suggested that cracks have begun to show in Macpherson and his deputy’s working relationship, particularly concerning oversight of infrastructure initiatives.
Zikalala has been vocal in accusing Macpherson of undermining governmental efforts, while Macpherson points to the failures of state-owned enterprises as symptomatic of a lack of accountability among leaders.
The situation escalated dramatically following ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s recent demand for Macpherson to resign. His remarks were prompted by President Cyril Ramaphosa's signing of the Expropriation Bill, a controversial piece of legislation that nullifies the existing 1975 Expropriation Act and permits state agencies to expropriate property in the public’s interest.
“If Minister Macpherson doesn't want to implement the law, he must resign because it means he doesn't belong there. We are not going to allow any minister in government to do as they like,” Mashatile insisted during his speech at the ANC's January 8 Statement event in Parys. He painted a picture of a government of national unity (GNU) facing internal undermining, asserting that "silly people" were jeopardising its integrity.
In a sharp rebuttal, Macpherson defended his position, asserting, “There’s only one person who will tell me to resign from the government, and that is the leader of this party.” He vehemently opposed the notion of expropriation without compensation, reaffirming that the protection of property rights was enshrined in Section 25 of the Constitution and was “non-negotiable.”
His comments were shared widely on social media, reflecting a deep commitment to his party’s values.
This latest political clash has seen tensions between the ANC and the DA intensify, with the DA formally contesting the Expropriation Bill and threatening to challenge its constitutionality in court. DA leader John Steenhuisen expressed mounting frustration over feeling sidelined within the GNU.
He remarked, “The ANC in the GNU has taken to openly disrespecting partners and undermining the trust upon which any coalition government is built. It is arrogant and disrespectful,” showcasing the deepening rift.
The fallout from this confrontation underscored the challenges of governance in a coalition environment, as both sides prepared for a possible protracted battle over policy direction and accountability in public works.
With the spectre of legal challenges looming and partisan sentiments flaring, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the future of infrastructure management in South Africa.
Macpherson and Zikalala could not be reached for comment and did not respond to messages sent to them.
DAILY NEWS