IN CONVERSATION WITH MINISTER DEAN MACPHERON
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Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has convened the first meeting of his newly appointed Advisory Panel on Public Asset Management and Infrastructure, calling on the group to help resolve stalled construction projects and improve the state of public properties across the country.
The non-statutory, volunteer-based panel brings together experts from both the public and private sectors to provide strategic advice on infrastructure delivery, asset optimisation, and departmental reform. Its formation fulfills a promise Macpherson made when he took office—to draw on external expertise to overhaul the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting on Wednesday morning, Minister Macpherson said the panel’s role is central to achieving his broader vision:
“We want to turn South Africa into a construction site—where public assets are used for the public good, projects are delivered on time and within budget, and infrastructure becomes a driver of real value for our people.”
Marking one year in office, the Minister emphasised the urgency of reforming internal systems to prevent costly project delays and underperformance. He stressed the need for greater efficiency, transparency, and better maintenance of the country's vast portfolio of state-owned assets.
The panel includes professionals in engineering, finance, infrastructure planning, the built environment, and governance. They will meet regularly to advise the Minister on:
• Clearing backlogs in stalled infrastructure projects
• Innovative infrastructure financing models
• Asset disposal and redevelopment strategies
• Facilities management and maintenance
• Internal system improvements and oversight mechanisms
Macpherson noted that many state-owned properties are either vacant, hijacked, or underutilised, and must be assessed for potential use—whether for affordable housing, community services, office space, or redevelopment.
“We are determined that public assets should not become public liabilities. Every building or parcel of land owned by the state must serve the people,” he said.
He added that the panel’s work would help move the department from “intention to implementation” and from “planning to projects that break ground.”
“The real test of our efforts will be in how they improve people’s lives and contribute to building a better South Africa,” said Macpherson.
The non-statutory, volunteer-based panel brings together experts from both the public and private sectors to provide strategic advice on infrastructure delivery, asset optimisation, and departmental reform. Its formation fulfills a promise Macpherson made when he took office—to draw on external expertise to overhaul the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting on Wednesday morning, Minister Macpherson said the panel’s role is central to achieving his broader vision:
“We want to turn South Africa into a construction site—where public assets are used for the public good, projects are delivered on time and within budget, and infrastructure becomes a driver of real value for our people.”
Marking one year in office, the Minister emphasised the urgency of reforming internal systems to prevent costly project delays and underperformance. He stressed the need for greater efficiency, transparency, and better maintenance of the country's vast portfolio of state-owned assets.
The panel includes professionals in engineering, finance, infrastructure planning, the built environment, and governance. They will meet regularly to advise the Minister on:
• Clearing backlogs in stalled infrastructure projects
• Innovative infrastructure financing models
• Asset disposal and redevelopment strategies
• Facilities management and maintenance
• Internal system improvements and oversight mechanisms
Macpherson noted that many state-owned properties are either vacant, hijacked, or underutilised, and must be assessed for potential use—whether for affordable housing, community services, office space, or redevelopment.
“We are determined that public assets should not become public liabilities. Every building or parcel of land owned by the state must serve the people,” he said.
He added that the panel’s work would help move the department from “intention to implementation” and from “planning to projects that break ground.”
“The real test of our efforts will be in how they improve people’s lives and contribute to building a better South Africa,” said Macpherson.
