18 June 2025

The ANC Study Group welcomes the comprehensive briefing today to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure by the Department. The Department was at pains to highlight the main areas covered in their Strategic Plan as well as the Annual Performance Plan and the progress made in strategic areas.

We are encouraged by the Digitisation Strategy and the improvements which will significantly enhance operational efficiency and revolutionise the management of state immovable and movable assets. It allows for transparency and more accountability. The e-procurement system is also one that offers oversight over tender management. This digitisation process is long overdue given the problems in the past with the hacking of Sage and lack of controls in terms of procurement.

Equally, we welcome the progress made in terms of the lifestyle audits completed by the Department working with the Special Investigating Unit. However, while we appreciate that the verification process is arduous, we would encourage speedier resolution of this process. In addition, we would like to have more information on what corrective measures are in place to deal with cases where the audits have shown inconsistencies and the outcomes of such cases, where identified.

There are constant outcries of non-payment to service providers across all government departments and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure appears to be a key department accused of such a practice. The Department boasts of a 98% progress in payment to service providers within 30 days. This progress in performance is measured against the no- payment responses received by the Department. However, given the various avenues where complaints are received for instance, via the Presidency, MPs, regional offices etc, the time lapse in addressing these does give a sense that this area needs to be further prioritised.

The issue of vacant state plots laying under-utilised in municipal areas needs a concerted and co-ordinated plan to ensure we optimise assets for the social and economic upliftment of our people. Losing revenue whilst municipalities require these vacant plots to implement much needed social development programmes is not a winning strategy.

The audit results of the Property Management and Trading Entity also give cause for concern. We welcome that this is being addressed with the Auditor-General and we urge for speedy resolutions to manage the irregularities within the audit report. The sooner that PMTE becomes self-sustaining and generates revenue, the sooner we will be able to get a handle on our immovable assets, maintaining a credible property register, and providing public facilities.

We understand the frustration when it comes to the issue of devolution, the challenges that this matter brings and the contestation of the mandate of the Department taken at the expense of procedures. We would want to offer our support in assisting where necessary.

Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group on Public Works and Infrastructure, Cde Nomgqibelo Ethel Nkosi

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