The ANC politicians are like shape shifters – Dean Macpherson

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, said dealing with the ANC is like dealing with a shape-shifter.

“They change form depending on the situation, often leading to deals becoming null and void the moment you walk out the door,” he said.

Macpherson shared his views on dealing with the ANC during a discussion at the 2026 Biznews Conference at the Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg.

During a question-and-answer session, he was asked whether he encountered ignorance, incompetence, or malevolence in his dealings with the ANC.

“Dealing with the ANC at times is like dealing with a shape shifter. It changes shape depending on the situation,” he said.

“You have to be very careful about what you commit or consent to, because the moment you walk out the door, that deal may become null and void.”

He added that it is challenging to walk into a government department and try to change the way things are done.

“My view, particularly within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, is that it has been operating this way for so long,” he said.

“People come to me with frustrations, and I understand them, but it’s unfair to ask why it’s taking so long to fix things or why buildings are still in bad condition.”

“The only thing that changed in the Department after the election was me. I am one person out of 5,000. Everything else stayed exactly the same.”

He explained that the same officials have been doing the same thing in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for 32 years.

“Trying to get people to understand that the state cannot hold onto 88,000 buildings is very difficult. Sometimes, you just have to bulldoze your way through,” he said.

“Doing that makes you unpopular and turns you into a target. It sets you up for disinformation campaigns, smear campaigns, and being called a racist.”

“As a result, I am very wary of direct dealings with the ANC. Luckily, I don’t have to do that too much.”