Minister Dean Macpherson is facing serious death threats while investigating an oxygen tender scandal. The probe focuses on a tender that ballooned from R256 million to R836 million, awarded to three companies by the Independent Development Trust. Despite intimidation and smear campaigns, Macpherson remains committed to uncovering corruption. PwC has been appointed to investigate irregularities in the tender process. The investigation continues to uncover troubling details about documentation fraud and regulatory non-compliance.
Despite facing serious death threats, Minister Dean Macpherson has vowed to continue his investigation into the controversial R800 million oxygen purification systems tender. The Minister remains determined to expose corruption despite growing intimidation tactics and smear campaigns allegedly linked to those involved in the scandal.
Minister Macpherson stands resolute against threats, continuing his quest to expose the truth behind the R800 million tender scandal.
The tender, originally budgeted at R256 million, mysteriously ballooned to R836 million after being awarded to three companies by the Independent Development Trust (IDT) in early 2024. This massive increase of R580 million raised immediate red flags, prompting the Department of Health to cancel the contract amid growing evidence of irregularities.
PwC has been appointed to investigate the IDT’s handling of the tender process. The probe is examining allegations of fraudulent documentation and non-compliance with South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) requirements. Two of the three companies awarded contracts reportedly operated without proper SAHPRA certification, while the third is accused of submitting fraudulent tender documents.
“We won’t be intimidated by those trying to protect corrupt interests,” a spokesperson close to the investigation said. The threats against Minister Macpherson have intensified as the investigation progresses, with political opponents allegedly amplifying smear campaigns. Despite these challenges, no law enforcement interventions have been reported to date regarding the threats.
The Democratic Alliance has strongly denied any corruption allegations, instead pointing to the IDT’s financial mismanagement. The party has dismissed claims made by JJ Tabane and Nando’s as baseless attacks. The IDT’s financial statements have reportedly been unavailable since August 2024, further complicating transparency efforts.
Public Works eventually stepped in after the IDT failed to demonstrate adequate transparency or capacity to conduct an internal investigation. Macpherson emphasized that essential funds designated for public health cannot be misappropriated through corruption. Despite being at the center of the controversy, the IDT initially retained oversight of the tender, even though it lacked the capacity to properly investigate the matter.
“The results of this investigation will be made public as it progresses,” confirmed an official from the Department of Public Works. “We’re committed to full transparency.”
The scandal has highlighted growing concerns about protection for whistleblowers, with public pressure mounting to guarantee their safety. Senior politicians and officials are expected to face exposure as the probe continues, with investigators promising to follow the evidence regardless of where it leads.
The oxygen purification systems tender represents one of the most significant corruption investigations in recent months, with the R580 million unexplained budget increase drawing particular scrutiny. As Minister Macpherson stands firm against threats, the investigation continues to uncover details about how public funds designated for critical health infrastructure were potentially misappropriated.
DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp has described the IDT leadership as shambolic and dysfunctional, contributing to the organization’s ongoing financial challenges and lack of accountability.
Conclusion
The Health Minister continues the investigation despite growing threats to her safety. As authorities dig deeper into the R800 million oxygen tender scandal, several high-profile arrests are expected in coming weeks. Anti-corruption activists have praised the minister’s courage while security measures around her have been increased. The probe represents one of the country’s largest corruption investigations in the healthcare sector.
