Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson used a Freedom Day visit to uMngeni to assess local infrastructure and outline plans to improve conditions in Mpophomeni, saying the focus must shift from symbolic freedom to tangible delivery.

During an oversight visit on Sunday, Macpherson inspected facilities in the area, including Mpophomeni Police Station, which he acknowledged is no longer adequate for the growing community.

The visit formed part of Freedom Day commemorations, but Macpherson said the emphasis must be on ensuring that the gains of democracy are felt in everyday life.

Speaking at a Freedom Day event in Mpophomeni, Macpherson said while April 27 marks a historic milestone, the promise of 1994 must now be realised through improved infrastructure, job creation and safer communities.

“Freedom cannot only be something we remember once a year. It must be something people experience every day,” he said.

Macpherson said dignity is achieved when people have access to functioning public infrastructure, including schools, clinics, police stations, roads and community facilities.

He outlined plans to reposition the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as an “economic delivery unit”, aimed at driving construction, creating jobs and restoring public trust.

“Construction is not just about bricks and cement. It is about jobs, opportunity and rebuilding confidence in government,” he said.

Macpherson highlighted efforts to tackle corruption and inefficiencies within the department, including action against “ghost workers”, strengthening oversight and reforming the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to ensure it creates meaningful opportunities rather than being misused.

He also pointed to progress in addressing construction site disruptions, with more than 240 arrests and over 170 convictions linked to extortion cases.

A key focus of his address was the turnaround of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), which he said had been weakened by governance failures and corruption.

Macpherson said the IDT is being rebuilt, with a pipeline of projects worth billions of rand aimed at delivering social infrastructure and restoring dignity to communities.

During his visit, the minister also assessed the Mpophomeni Police Station, acknowledging that the facility is inadequate for the growing community.

He further announced support for the Mpophomeni Theatre, including the donation of sound equipment valued at nearly R23 000, describing it as an investment in youth development and creative opportunities.

“A theatre is a stage for dreams. It gives young people a place to belong and express themselves,” he said.

Macpherson added that government efforts must ultimately be measured by their impact on people’s lives, not policies or promises.

“The test of government is whether people feel the difference,” he said.

As part of the visit, assistance was also provided to flood-affected residents, including building material support for an elderly resident.

Macpherson said while challenges remain, government must continue working to ensure that freedom translates into real change.

“The story we must tell is one of action — of freedom being made real through infrastructure and service delivery,” he said.

Shorné Bennie – The Witness