ActionSA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have raised concerns about Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson’s official trip to Brazil, alleging public funds were used to cover costs linked to his partner.
The statements were issued on 1 and 2 March 2026 and call for disclosure and repayment of certain travel expenses.
What happened
ActionSA MP Malebo Kobe said on 1 March 2026 that the Minister should repay R839,000 in alleged taxpayer-funded travel costs related to the Brazil trip.
The party further claims that three separate non-refundable flight bookings were made during the booking process, costing:
- R95,649.17
- R232,869.17
- R158,859.17
ActionSA alleges the bookings were made due to confusion within the department.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said on 2 March 2026 that the total reported cost of the Brazil visit was R350,000 and called for a full breakdown of the expenditure.
Both parties allege that the Minister’s partner travelled on the official visit.
Official response
At the time of publication, no official response from Minister Macpherson or the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure was included in the statements provided.
ActionSA has called on the Minister to:
- Repay the alleged wasted funds
- Provide a full public explanation
- Issue a public apology
The EFF said it will pursue the matter through parliamentary mechanisms and requested a full report to Parliament on international travel undertaken since the Minister assumed office.
Community impact
Both parties argue that public funds should prioritise service delivery and infrastructure needs.
ActionSA also claims that, as of June 2025, the Minister had incurred R3.2 million in travel expenses, and that R448 million had been spent on travel by the broader Government of National Unity. These figures are claims made by ActionSA and were not independently verified at the time of publication.
What you need to know
- ActionSA alleges R839,000 was spent on the Brazil trip
- The EFF cites a reported total cost of R350,000
- Three non-refundable flight bookings are alleged to have been made
- Both parties claim the Minister’s partner travelled on the official visit
- No official response had been included at publication
What happens next
It remains unclear whether Parliament will formally investigate the matter or whether the Department will release a full cost breakdown.
Pondoland Times will update this report once a response is received from the Minister or the Department.
For related national coverage, visit our South African news section.
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