DPWI & PMTE 2025/26 Annual Performance Plans and Audit Action Plan; with Minister

Video 2025/26 Annual Performance Plans The Portfolio Committee called on the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to improve its payment systems to service providers, particularly small, medium and emerging contractors, who rely heavily on timely payments to sustain their operations. The Department appeared before the Committee to brief it on its 2025/26 annual performance and audit action plans, and those of the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE). The Minister presented a budget overview, indicating that expenditure had increased by 3% per annum, with 82% of the budget allocated to transfers and subsidies for entities, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) wages, and grants. He highlighted that R7.2 billion had been allocated to the EPWP over the next three years, while R91 million had been allocated to skills development and state capacity interventions.  The Committee welcomed the Department's focus on digitisation and the use of modern tools to enhance project planning and delivery. However, Members expressed concern over persistent issues such as the poor audit outcomes of the PMTE, particularly its continued receipt of qualified audits despite managing government assets worth billions of rands. The Committee stressed the urgent need to finalise the immovable asset register, noting that incomplete data on government properties continued to hamper efficient asset management. It also noted with concern that several client departments were withholding payments that were owed to the DPWI, leading to discussions on devolving property-related services away from the Department. The Chairperson criticised the lack of communication from the Department regarding the maintenance of the Parliamentary dome in Cape Town, describing the work as "fruitless expenditure," and saying that Members were not pleased with it. The Committee concluded by urging the DPWI to present clear, actionable plans to address recurring challenges, particularly in procurement, audit compliance, asset management and service delivery.