Parliament, Tuesday, 29 September 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Carol Phiri, has welcomed and commended the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson, on the appointment of Mr Alford Nsibande as the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
The committee has consistently emphasised the need for capable, qualified and experienced leadership across South Africa’s public entities. Institutions entrusted with public resources and developmental responsibilities require leaders who can drive stability, accountability and performance.
The appointment of someone who understands the IDT, having served in an acting capacity in the role, is therefore an important milestone for the entity and a significant step towards strengthening an institution that remains central to the delivery of social infrastructure in South Africa. The committee is encouraged that the new CEO brings experience to the role and is therefore familiar with both the opportunities and challenges facing the IDT.
The Chairperson further welcomes the Minister’s transparent engagement with the portfolio committee on the announcement of the appointment process. This reflects a shared commitment between both the committee and the Minister to strengthen transparent accountability as a key element of Parliament’s oversight obligation.
The committee wishes to remind the incoming CEO that the responsibilities ahead are both significant and urgent. As one of government’s key infrastructure implementing agencies, the IDT plays a critical role in delivering schools, healthcare facilities, community infrastructure, government service points and other projects that directly improve the lives of South Africans. Through this mandate, the IDT contributes meaningfully to service delivery, socio-economic development and the advancement of constitutional rights.
However, the IDT continues to face several challenges that require decisive leadership. These include strengthening governance systems, improving project delivery, addressing operational inefficiencies, restoring stakeholder confidence, enhancing revenue generation and improving financial sustainability.
The committee also notes the financial pressures the IDT has experienced in recent years. The new CEO, together with the board, management and the department, must continue efforts to place the IDT on a sustainable footing. Despite these challenges, the IDT remains a vital instrument for development and service delivery, particularly in underserved and rural communities where infrastructure investment has the greatest impact.
The portfolio committee assures the Minister, the CEO, the board and the executive leadership of its support as efforts continue to strengthen the IDT and position it for long-term success. Parliament’s oversight role must be accompanied by a commitment to support initiatives that promote good governance, accountability and effective service delivery.
The committee believes that the IDT must continue its evolution into a modern, agile and high-performing social infrastructure delivery agency. In a period marked by fiscal constraints and growing infrastructure demands, the IDT must be able to deliver quality infrastructure efficiently, while maintaining financial viability and organisational sustainability.
The Chairperson extends her best wishes to the new CEO and the board as they embark on this important chapter in the IDT’s history. Their success will ultimately be measured by the tangible improvements communities experience through better schools, clinics and other public facilities and social infrastructure.
The Chairperson further assures Minister Macpherson, the national executive and all the committee’s stakeholders of its continued commitment to constructive oversight and collaboration as we work together to position the public works and infrastructure sector as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, MS CAROL PHIRI.
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