7th Administration | 'We must live within our means and use public assets for public good'

Last week the new Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson said the days of ministers living in luxury at the expense of taxpayers is a thing of the past. Macpherson is tightening the screws on funds being spent on cabinet members' government homes and offices during his tenure. He confirmed that there will be no procuring of any new housing stock or offices for both the new Executive and Parliamentarians. In February last year, the Democratic Alliance revealed that ANC Ministers and Deputy Ministers occupy properties in Cape Town and Pretoria worth R967 million. Minister Macpherson now joins us virtual to share his vision and plans for his department.

[Draginsezluvnlite-jpsv]

Now THAT'S what we've needed all along! A minister serving the people, not living the high life without the brains, the forethought, the common sense, the intelligence to actually run a department properly, like we've had up to now! Bravo DA! I just hope all his plans and effort isn't hamstrung by the ANC still clutching the purse strings and the ANC still in charge of municipalities not paying their bills....

[matebalophoolo]

Sending you positive thought in this massive undertaking Minister. We are behind you!

[mullerierabe-taljaard]

So refreshing to hear commitment to "infrastructure & service" 🙏🏻

[shaminakh]

Wish you the best on this job.please make us proud.

[cherylvandermeulen]

Cannot understand why civil servants have to have homes paid for by the tax payer. They earn enough they can afford to fund their own homes.

[RichardsBulls]

I'm so amazed with this guy. He's making all the sense in the world

[altavanrensburg]

A breath of fresh sence and commitment.
Ek begin moed skep, hoop hy kry steun en samewerking.
Sterkte!

[RobertEarlMylroie]

Let's go DA, let's go, all the way!!

[maggie]

Excellent! I am so glad to hear this! MP's must be forced to use the facilities they provide ... and we will see a MASSIVE turnaround in public service delivery!

[vladimirpanajic]

Excellent, no need for any ministers to live above what is affordable.

[ntombikayisemabaso]

Proud to be South African in such times😊

[llandman]

Viva DA. Stop all tenders and thievery. Look after the poor and needy. Wish you all the best. Pls keep us updated how you save and boot the criminals. Watching this space

[ansunettefick]

All the best. You have a very big challenge ahead, but we believe you can do it. 👍🙏💪

[candryclide]

Minister please also deal with the tender system.

[shopekassie]

He sounds patriotic and passionate about his job.

[JeffreyCochrane-fjny]

Everything is ɓroken well done gnu its about time someone has stepped up

[OniccaKgosana]

Thanks minister, dont forget to stop tenders with unfinished work and to take those responsible accountable .

[RobertEarlMylroie]

Yes!! That is the very way it should have been, but shamefully the money in the coffers has been looted!! Disgraceful and disgusting!!

[Pizza..]

Can ministers pay for rent for their houses given by government since they get a big salary ?

[JamesSumner-Goodwin]

Wow! In NZ not even the Prime Minister gets a mansion paid for by taxpayers.. It is INSANE how many privileges politicians in SA are afforded, when we have such poverty too.

Here's my budget: cut spending on parliamentary services by 50%
Sell all but 6 residences, Libertas, Oliver Tambo House and 2 further residences for events/ offices/ accommodation in Pretoria are safe but all other ministerial houses are going to be sold.
Cape Town has Parliamentary Village and Groote Schuur Estate.. That's it. All other Cape Town residences to be sold.
Travel expenses reduced, no free air travel for family, no non-essential government business expense claims covered. Salary freeze for all MPs until 2029.

That's the start of it.