KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
6 August 2026
• ACTis has raised two flags for the KZN DPWI and placed one under monitoring.
• The Department is undergoing a period of reform, driven by a new MEC. The removal of senior executives allegedly involved in corruption shows a commitment to accountability. Improved financial management and controls will help to build resilience against corruption.
• There are concerns going forward. The Department is demonstrating resilience in pushing back against organised criminal groups that have corruptly benefited from past contract awards. Attempts at intimidation against MEC Lukas Martinus (Martin) Meyer demonstrate that there is a shadow network of individuals or groups who do not want to lose financially if the reforms succeed. These attempts have been unsuccessful thus far.
• The political will to expose likely state capture relies on MEC Meyer’s sustained focus on addressing the problems, especially in the wake of many senior executive vacancies. This, in turn, relies on the current political configuration keeping him in office in the provincial government.
• Corruption at the KZN DPWI has incurred significant opportunity costs, including under-delivery in the refurbishment of schools, clinics and hospitals.