Mr. Badenhorst praised the CIDB for blacklisting 40 contractors, marking a historic shift toward accountability, restoring public trust, and ensuring better infrastructure delivery in South Africa.
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure, Mr. Rikus Badenhorst, praised Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Dean Macpherson, and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) for holding non-performing contractors accountable. He called the CIDB’s decision to blacklist 40 contractors since June 2024 “historic,” especially since only one contractor had been blacklisted in the previous 22 years. This lack of action allowed for many incomplete and poorly built projects, damaging public trust in the government’s ability to deliver.
Mr. Badenhorst emphasized that this change is significant, showing the department is committed to professionalism and effective use of public funds for infrastructure. He supports the Minister’s vision for a capable department that promotes economic growth and job creation. Additionally, he welcomed further reforms, such as improving blacklisting processes, recovering funds from failing contractors, filling key roles, and increasing accountability.
He conveyed a strong message that the era of contractor impunity is over. With the combined efforts of the Minister and CIDB, contractors who fail to meet standards will no longer be able to work with the government. Mr. Badenhorst stated the committee will keep overseeing these reforms to ensure they continue and lead to quality infrastructure being delivered on time and within budget. He congratulated the Minister and CIDB on this new commitment to accountability and growth.
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