The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure undertook a successful three-day capacity-building workshop at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria from 7 to 9 October. The committee thereafter conducted two days of oversight visits to public works facilities, including Telkom Towers and the Salvokop government precinct from 10 to 11 October.
The capacity building workshop was proposed in the sixth Parliament’s portfolio committee legacy report, which stated that incoming members would need training to understand the public works portfolio at the start of the seventh term. Securing the state’s vast property portfolio by arresting mismanagement and neglect is crucial to rebuilding confidence in government. Members of the current Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure have expressed their determination to improve the public works portfolio over which they have oversight.
The capacity building workshop was held in partnership with the National School of Government (NSG). It saw committee members engage with academics from the Wits University’s School of Construction Economics and Management and the University of Stellenbosch’s’ Professor Thuli Madonsela.
Dr Casius Lubisi, a distinguished fellow at the NSG, presented a paper on the portfolio committee’s mandate and leadership responsibilities. Dr Lubisi reminded committee members that they are tasked with ensuring that the department operates efficiently, manages public resources responsibly and complies with relevant rules and regulations. In addition, scrutinising legislation and public participation are important instruments for the committee to hold the sector accountable. Dr Lubisi also encouraged committee members to engage with professionals and academics to maximise the impact of their work.
Dr Ron Watermeyer from the Wits School of Construction Economics and Management said public infrastructure enables the economy to grow faster and become more competitive and productive. It also lowers the cost of doing business, creates jobs for low-skilled people, promotes spatial inclusivity, contributes to eliminating poverty and reduces unemployment and inequality. Public infrastructure also provides opportunities for broad-based black economic empowerment. However, poorly planned, procured, delivered and managed infrastructure can be an impediment rather than an enabler of economic growth and further undermines black economic empowerment.
Mr Siyabonga Gama said he was shocked that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure does not have contract management nor a project management office.
Mr Fana Mokoena said some of the factors causing delays in the construction sector are the long and tedious procurement processes that need to be followed. “This department should be the busiest department in the country but what happens is that the department builds and then walks away. And the Department of Basic Education shouldn’t be concerned with building schools as this opens doors for corruption,” Mr Mokoena suggested.
Professor Thuli Madonsela from the University of Stellenbosch spoke about managing conflicts of interest and other ethical dilemmas in public office. She said that a member may risk violating his or her duties if their actions are not aligned with respect and the public interest. In addition, it is important to note that Members of Parliament are sometimes accused of providing misleading information.
Prof Madonsela said, “Parliament must ensure that it verifies whether individuals are telling the truth or not, and no one is allowed to misuse their position for personal gain. Public officials should be held personally accountable if they abuse the trust placed in them for personal benefit,” Prof Madonsela said.
Ms Phumla Williams, the retired Director-General of Government Communication and Information Services, applauded the work done by the Parliamentary Communications Services to highlight the work of committees. In addition, Ms Williams said there is a need for active engagement with community-based media, as there is an over-reliance on mainstream media, who tend to pick and choose what they cover. Ms Williams also encouraged the committee, especially committee chairpersons, to embrace the media rather than trying to avoid it. However, she advised MPs to avoid press conferences if there is nothing substantive to say or you are underprepared.
The committee Chairperson, Ms Carol Phiri, thanked the National School of Government for arranging the training. She said the training on the immovable asset register will provide the committee with the ability to understand the value of the state’s property portfolio and give it the proper protections
Jabulani Majozi
10 October 2024
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