DocumentNot applicableMedia statement

Public Works Targets Infrastructure Reform With R7 8 Billion Budget

Official source

Source domain: idt.org.za

Collected on 29 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

What this means

This document is a South African government news/media statement (dated 13 May 2026) reporting on the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s infrastructure reform plans and budget for the 2026/27 financial year. It states the department will receive R7.8 billion for 2026/27, with R24.6 billion in medium-term funding, and outlines allocations, key projects, and reforms to entities and programmes such as Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE), and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). It also lists specific delivery actions (e.g., Deeds Office in Johannesburg, Durban Forensic Science Laboratory handover, Sarah Baartman Centre progress) and governance/corruption measures, including reforms to EPWP via “Working on Infrastructure” and steps to stabilise entities and accelerate infrastructure delivery.

Facts

Places

City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal

Amounts

R 7 800 000 000, R 24 600 000 000, R 6 400 000 000

Key Takeaways

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure allocation: R7.8 billion for 2026/27
Medium-term funding total: R24.6 billion
Approximate transfers/subsidies: R6.4 billion (including EPWP conditional grants)
PMTE projected revenue: R18 billion
Date of statement: 13 May 2026
Minister: Dean Macpherson
ISA investment pledge: $1 billion (~R17 billion) for proposed bioethanol production facility
Draft legislation to formalise ISA: expected to be gazetted for public comment within next two months
Flagship project: new R769 million Deeds Office under construction in Johannesburg CBD; expected completion October
Strategic and Special Delivery Unit: Durban Forensic Science Laboratory handover to SAPS within 12 months
Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance: contractor appointed after delays over a decade
Independent Development Trust (IDT) order book: grew to R6 billion confirmed projects (up by R2 billion); monthly cash tripled
IDT 2025/26 completed: 279 social infrastructure facilities (target 244)
Repurposing state properties: 46 properties made available for GBV/femicide shelters and skills development centres
Disposal of unused properties: 801 unused properties
Construction Industry Development Board: removed 52 contractors for fraudulent activity over past 22 months
EPWP reform pilot: “Working on Infrastructure” (8–10 month work opportunities; skills development and workplace experience; digital recruitment systems)
PMTE audit status: never achieved a clean audit since establishment in 2014
Government spending on private leases: around R6 billion annually
Auditor-General findings cited: Telkom Towers poor asset management (mostly unoccupied/not used as intended)
Audits uncovered: 60 individuals allegedly paid salaries without being employed (mostly linked to KwaZulu-Natal)
Lifestyle audits of senior officials: underway; some officials resisted participation
Next-year infrastructure priorities: (1) South African National Property Company, (2) expand Working on Infrastructure/EPWP reform, (3) small harbour reform framework
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson
Infrastructure South Africa (ISA)
Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE)
Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
Strategic and Special Delivery Unit
Independent Development Trust (IDT)

Dates

Closing Date

13 May 2026