Macpherson stands by appointing five new IDT trustees despite legal challenge

CAPE TOWN - Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson believes a legal challenge against his appointment of five new trustees for the Independent Development Trust is an abuse of court processes.

Black Forum South Africa and Izwi Labantu Forum have filed a case in the North Gauteng High Court seeking the appointments to be set aside.

But Macpherson says their complaints are misguided, and he’s questioned the legitimacy of Black Forum South Africa as a duly registered non-profit organisation.

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Macpherson is not backing down on his clean-up of the Independent Development Trust after ordering a forensic investigation into an R800 million hospital oxygen supply tender to State facilities.

In an affidavit filed in response to a case by the two business forums, Macpherson stands by the new appointments to replace trustees whose term is due to end in July.

He says the complainants are relying on incorrect clauses in the trust deed to argue their case and that he made the appointments based purely on a shortlist provided to him by the board..

Macpherson also points out that no concerns have been raised about the competency or suitability of the appointed individuals.

He adds that the complainants also did not make any nominations for replacements when public input was called upon.

On Sunday, Macpherson revealed the preliminary findings of an investigation into the trust, including that a ghost company had been awarded a nearly R500 million share of the oxygen plant tender and that senior politicians will be exposed once the probe is completed.

Macpherson has appealed to the complainants to withdraw their case, saying it’s an abuse of the court’s time.