The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala held a very productive meeting with members of the Independent DT Board on Monday 3 July 2023. This meeting was one of a number held between DPWI and the Board since March 2023.
These meetings focus on progress being made towards a new corporate form for the IDT and to address governance challenges which recently came to the attention of the IDT’s Board requiring investigation and resolution. Some of these challenges were raised by anonymous whistleblowers.
The meeting agreed that the Board would continue its work to address these challenges, including through the assistance of DPWI and independent investigators, to ensure the IDT continues to play an important role in the delivery of social infrastructure in South Africa.
In addition, extensive background work on possible corporate forms has been undertaken by the DPWI, GTAC and the IDT, and these recommendations are now undergoing Cabinet and other processes.
In discussions with the Minister, it was agreed that it was appropriate for the two Ministerial appointees to resign from the board in order to allow these important corporate changes to proceed. This would also do away with the current distinction between Ministerial appointees and other Board members, so that all persons are appointed after following the same appointment process. It is also preferable that DPWI as a Department designates an official to interact with the Board directly, rather than having Ministerial representatives. In this regard the Minister thanked the current Ministerial appointees Mr. Tim Sukazi and Dr. Michael Sutcliffe for their dedicated service and wise counsel as members of the Board of the IDT through this period of transformation.
The Minister appreciates their valued contribution and service to the country during this period and would not hesitate to call on their experience and expertise in the future.
Finally, given the process of transitioning to a new corporate form, the Minister also welcomed the appointment of Ms. Zimbini Hill and Ms. Lerato Kumalo as the interim Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the IDT working through this interim period. They both have extensive experience and were unanimously elected by the members of the IDT Board.
Source: Government of South Africa