Dean MacPherson suspends senior official in R113m Mpumalanga schools tender fraud crackdown

South Africa’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean MacPherson, has taken decisive action in the unfolding R113 million Mpumalanga education tender scandal, ordering the precautionary suspension of a senior departmental official implicated in alleged fraud.

The move comes after the Construction Project Management (CPM) director appeared in court as part of a group of 38 accused individuals charged in connection with irregularities linked to emergency repairs at 21 schools in Mpumalanga. The case has intensified national scrutiny over public infrastructure spending and government oversight.

Precautionary Suspension Ordered Amid Fraud Charges

MacPherson confirmed that he directed the department’s Director-General to implement an immediate precautionary suspension of the official following the arrest and court appearance.

Although the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure was not directly involved in awarding the tender, which was issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Education, the minister stressed that accountability applies across all public institutions.

“Any official implicated in serious criminal allegations, particularly those involving public funds meant for critical infrastructure such as schools, ought not remain in their role while these processes are underway,” MacPherson said.

The disciplinary action is being conducted in line with the Public Service Act and applicable regulatory frameworks to ensure procedural fairness while protecting departmental integrity.

R113 Million Mpumalanga Education Tender Under Investigation

The alleged fraud relates to a R113 million tender issued during the 2018/2019 financial years for emergency repairs to 21 schools across Mpumalanga.

The Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, led a nationwide operation that resulted in multiple arrests across provinces including Gauteng, Limpopo, Cape Town and Mpumalanga.

Authorities allege that pricing was inflated, proper supply chain processes were bypassed, and certain contractors were handpicked. Investigators identified at least 17 service providers allegedly working in coordination with government officials to defraud the education department.

Major General Nico Gerber, head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, confirmed that the investigation began in 2020 after reports of irregularities surfaced during the 2019/2020 financial year.

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Zero Tolerance for Corruption, Says MacPherson

MacPherson has reiterated a “zero-tolerance approach to corruption and ethical misconduct” within his department.

“Every rand lost to fraud is a rand taken away from classrooms, communities and service delivery,” he stated. “We are committed to strengthening governance, tightening oversight, and ensuring that public infrastructure budgets are used strictly for their intended purpose.”

The minister emphasised that internal disciplinary processes will run concurrently with criminal proceedings and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement authorities.

“There will be no protection for wrongdoing,” he said. “Accountability is fundamental to restoring trust and ensuring infrastructure delivery serves the public, not private interests.”

Broader Implications for Public Infrastructure Governance

The scandal has renewed focus on governance vulnerabilities within South Africa’s public procurement system, particularly in sectors tied to essential services like education.

Emergency school repair projects are typically fast-tracked due to safety concerns and urgent infrastructure needs, which can sometimes create opportunities for abuse if oversight mechanisms are weak.

MacPherson’s swift action signals an attempt to reinforce credibility within the public works portfolio amid growing public frustration over corruption scandals affecting service delivery.

What Happens Next?

The 38 accused individuals, including government officials and service providers, have been granted bail and are expected to return to court as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the suspended official faces internal disciplinary proceedings separate from the criminal case. The outcome could include dismissal, depending on the findings of both processes.

For now, the case remains a high-profile test of the government’s commitment to fighting corruption in public infrastructure spending.

FAQ

Who is Dean MacPherson?

Dean MacPherson is South Africa’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure. He oversees national public infrastructure projects and departmental governance.

Why did Dean MacPherson suspend an official?

MacPherson ordered the precautionary suspension of a senior official after the individual was arrested and appeared in court on fraud charges linked to a R113 million Mpumalanga schools repair tender.

What is the R113 million Mpumalanga education tender scandal?

The scandal involves allegations that government officials and service providers defrauded the Mpumalanga Department of Education by inflating prices and bypassing proper procurement procedures during emergency school repair projects.

Was the Department of Public Works involved in the tender?

No. The tender was issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Education. However, the implicated official works within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, prompting internal disciplinary action.

How many people have been arrested in the Mpumalanga tender fraud case?

A total of 38 individuals, including government officials and service providers, have been charged in connection with the alleged fraud.

What is a precautionary suspension?

A precautionary suspension temporarily removes a public official from their duties while investigations or disciplinary proceedings are underway. It does not imply guilt but protects institutional integrity.

What role do the Hawks play in this case?

The Hawks, formally known as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, are responsible for investigating serious organised crime and corruption cases. They led the arrests in this matter.

What happens next in the case?

The accused individuals will return to court as criminal proceedings continue. Meanwhile, internal disciplinary processes within the Department of Public Works will proceed alongside the legal case.