
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has appointed two new members to the Independent Development Trust’s (IDT) Board, a move that aligns with the powers granted to him under the IDT’s Deed of Trust.
The two appointees bring a wealth of public service experience to the Independent Development Trust’s (IDT) Board.
Matodzi Ratshimbilani, a legal professional with 25 years of practice, and Derek Naidoo, who served as Deputy City Manager of eThekwini Municipality for a decade, are poised to strengthen the board’s governance and ensure the effective delivery of social infrastructure.
Macpherson highlighted that these high-caliber appointments reflect the government’s commitment to improving the IDT’s governance, and ensuring it fulfills its crucial role in providing vital social infrastructure across the country.
The new appointees replace two previous members, and the Minister is confident that their expertise will play a key role in reinforcing the IDT’s operations. He also anticipates trustee recommendations from the Board to fill any remaining vacancies, as stipulated by the Deed of Trust.
Ratshimbilani holds a B Proc (Baccalaureus Procurationis) from the University of Limpopo and a Certificate in Business Management from the University of Johannesburg.
Over his 25 years as a legal practitioner, Ratshimbilani has worked with state-owned entities, including Eskom, SABC, and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd (IDC), while also serving on several boards, including the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Kouga Wind Farm Community Development Trust, and the Railway Safety Regulator.
Naidoo holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and a Certificate in Project Management.
He served as Deputy City Manager within the eThekwini Municipality for 10 years, overseeing infrastructure projects worth R50 billion across various sectors, including water and sanitation, electricity, transport, housing, solid waste and procurement.
Naidoo has also held leadership positions in the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
Macpherson emphasised that these appointments are crucial for restoring stability and enhancing transparency within the IDT, particularly in light of previous public allegations.
"The IDT plays a crucial role in delivering social infrastructure across the country, and it is imperative that it has a well-functioning board to execute its mandate effectively. I look forward to these ministerial appointees enhancing transparency within the organisation so that we can urgently address any concerns.
"Furthermore, they are tasked with finalising the outstanding financial statements of the agency, which have yet to be submitted for the past financial year,” the Minister said.
These ministerial appointments align with other interventions by Minister Macpherson to address governance concerns at the IDT, including an independent PwC investigation into the PSY Oxygen Plant tender.
TThe Minister said the investigation, set to conclude within eight weeks, will specifically examine the circumstances surrounding the PSY Oxygen Plant tender, in which two contractors were appointed despite lacking SAHPRA registration.
“As I have stated previously, we will not be deterred by public intimidation campaigns in our efforts to root out corruption and improve the operations of entities under the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
“I have no doubt that these appointments will contribute towards our goal of a corruption-free Department and IDT, enabling us to build a better South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za