The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson.
Image: File
Martin Meyer, KZN MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure has defending his absence from the Ministerial Imbizo called by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo
THE MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal, Martin Meyer, was noticeably absent at the Ministerial Imbizo held in Phoenix on Saturday, hosted by his national counterpart, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson.
The absence of the provincial MEC raised some questions, especially given that Meyer was directly responsible for the provincial portfolio in public works and infrastructure.
However, Meyer has since defended his absence during an interview with the Daily News.
Meyer and Macpherson, both members of the DA, with the latter serving as provincial chairperson of the party, have a longstanding political relationship.
Before the event, there were allegations that Macpherson was allegedly using the Imbizo as a ploy to win votes for his party, ahead of the by-election in Ward 110, set for April 16.
In the wake of those claims, Macpherson was quick to dismiss them, describing the allegations as “silly” and refuting the idea that Meyer had deliberately snubbed the government event.
“It’s not true. This is nothing more than a political battle with no substance,” Macpherson said.
The Minister emphasised that the purpose of the event was to address longstanding issues faced by the Phoenix community, particularly about water and electricity services.
A large number of Phoenix residents turned out for the event, eager to voice their grievances and engage with Macpherson directly. Among the top concerns raised were ongoing water cuts and frequent electricity outages.
“The big issues related to water cuts and electricity outages and that officials do not inform councillors in time of these outages or are not able to respond to them. We also unpacked the billions of rands worth of investments that we are either involved in or overseeing from the lower Umkomaas dam.”
He also said that his department was revamping the Verulam Magistrates Court, which was deemed hazardous by the portfolio committee on justice during its recent unannounced visit.
Macpherson further announced an R300 million upgrade to the electricity infrastructure in the area, which was widely welcomed by the residents.
“The community was very grateful that I was there, and every single person who spoke (more than 30 people) praised our efforts and said they support this approach and work.”
Despite the event’s success and the positive reception from Phoenix residents, Meyer’s absence remained a point of contention.
In an interview with Daily News, Meyer explained that the event was organised by the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, not his provincial department.
“This was a programme of the national department, not the KZN department of public works and infrastructure. I unfortunately had a prior engagement and could not attend. As water and electricity do not fall within our mandate, I did not send someone from the department.”
In a subsequent written response by his spokesperson, Steve Bhengu, who said, “It is common knowledge that Ministers and MECs, including other government officials, often work on busy schedules, and it is not uncommon that their schedules would clash from time to time.”
He added that Meyer and Macpherson share a very “close” and “fruitful” relationship in their capacities as government officials and officials within the DA.
“It is common knowledge that Ministers and MECs, including other government officials, often work on busy schedules, and it is not uncommon that their schedules would clash from time to time.
“On several occasions, their ministries, and by extension, their departments have successfully coordinated various initiatives as documented in the media and public spaces. They also share a common view of making National and Provincial Departments of Public Works and Infrastructure work for the citizens of this country and province of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Meanwhile, some political figures have voiced concerns over the event’s political implications..
ActionSA provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango and local comedian-turned-politician Thanasagren Moodley both criticized the DA, accusing them of using the Imbizo as a platform to gain political support.
However, Macpherson dismissed these accusations, emphasising that the event was focused solely on addressing community issues and improving public services, not on advancing the DA’s political agenda.
DAILY NEWS
