The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has launched lifestyle audits on nearly 400 high-risk officials in a bid to root out corruption, Minister Dean Macpherson announced during a parliamentary budget vote.
The audits, which began in March 2025, target employees in finance, ICT, procurement, and property leases—areas identified as vulnerable to fraud and mismanagement. Macpherson revealed that initial questioning of officials raised red flags, with many being evasive in their responses.
Crackdown on Corruption
The minister cited several concerns prompting the audits, including:
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Suspicious procurement practices: Court rulings found tenders were awarded unfairly.
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Overpriced property leases: Some leases were “way above market value,” with the same beneficiaries repeatedly securing contracts.
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Ghost workers: The department is also addressing fraudulent payroll entries.
Macpherson recounted a stark example of corruption: a R3-million Porsche parked in a staff bay by an employee whose salary could not justify such a purchase.
Previous Audits and Ongoing Investigations
Lifestyle audits were previously conducted on 48 senior managers in the 2022/23 financial year. The current probe, conducted alongside the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), aims to hold wrongdoers accountable, with criminal prosecutions expected where evidence warrants.
Broader Procurement Reforms
The minister criticized South Africa’s procurement system, advocating for e-procurement to remove human bias. He referenced the “javelin” tactic—where officials award tenders before resigning to benefit from contracts—as a persistent challenge.
Updates on Key Cases
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Telkom Towers Scandal: A R695-million police headquarters lease deemed “unfit for occupation” is nearing investigation completion, with findings due by end-July.
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George Building Collapse: A report will be shared with victims’ families next week before public release.
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State Funeral Oversight: Macpherson assured cost controls for the late deputy president’s state funeral, only the second in 30 years after Nelson Mandela’s.
Conclusion
Macpherson emphasized the department’s commitment to ethical governance: “We want employees focused on service delivery, not personal profit.” With SIU collaboration, the audits signal a tougher stance on corruption within critical state sectors.