A staggering R300 million that could have been used to create jobs or improve infrastructure has instead found its way into criminal hands, and it's likely that public officials are involved.

This revelation was announced by South Africa’s newly appointed Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Dean MacPherson, on Wednesday.

The Minister said at least R300 million had been stolen from the department in the past 10 years through cyber-related crimes. As recently as May this year, cyber-attackers allegedly stole a further R24 million.

This latest incident sparked a full forensic investigation, collectively conducted by the Hawks, SA Police Service, State Security Agency and experts from the cyber security industry.

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson. File Picture: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers

According to the DPWI, the crimes came to light when Minister Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala conducted detailed assessments of the work conducted by the department and its local branches.

Macpherson said it was clear that the department had become a soft target and a playground for cyber criminals in the past decade, and it should have been picked up much earlier.

“It is unthinkable that this has gone on for so long without being noticed. In order to build trust with South Africans, we must be transparent about the problems we face. We will ensure that financial controls are tightened and we hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” Macpherson said on social media platform X.

In a statement to the media, the Minister also alluded to the possibility of state officials being involved.

“I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft,” Macpherson said.

“It is clear that we need better financial controls which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency.”

Macpherson was appointed as Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure in July 2024, following the establishment of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU). He is a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and has served as the party’s provincial chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal.

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