Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has congratulated Sifiso Mdakane on his appointment as the new Director-General for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Mdakane is a seasoned public servant, with a career spanning over 15 years in the public service at strategic senior management positions.
He also has an illustrious career of serving in high management echelons in the private sector and in the local government sphere.
“The appointment of the DG brings stability and momentum to the turnaround plan to reposition the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as a key driver of the country’s economic reconstruction and recovery, and the government infrastructure implementing agent of choice,” Minister Zikalala said.
The department has been without a full-time Director-General for a prolonged period of time, surviving on acting appointments.
“Since joining the department, we have introduced a performance-driven culture and service delivery impact approach.
“This includes ensuring that client care and quality service to client departments is paramount, and ensuring that projects are delivered and implemented on time, within budget and reflect quality.
“We are closing the curtain on the history of the department being associated with poor infrastructure delivery, project delays, malfeasance and under-spending,” Zikalala said.
The Minister said Mdakane possesses skills and experience to hit the ground running in implementing these priorities.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has a vision to turn South Africa into a construction site by implementing large scale infrastructure programmes aimed at reviving the construction industry and contributing to employment creation.
The Minister and Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts have wished Mdakane success, and assured him of the full support of the department and all stakeholders. – SAnews.gov.za
