Description:

In terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996), the President has allocated a functional mandate to the Department of Public Works. The mandate of the Department is also confirmed through the annual Appropriation Act. The State Land Disposal Act (Act No 48 of 1961) furthermore mandates the Minister of Public Works to carry out certain functions. In addition to that the Department administers the legislation mentioned in Appendix Two.

From the above legislation, the Department’s mandate is to be the custodian and manager of all national governments’ fixed assets, for which other legislation does not make another department or institution responsible. This includes the determination of accommodation requirements, rendering expert built environment services to client departments, the acquisition, maintenance and disposal of such assets.

In reflecting on its mandate, the department sees itself as:

• The “Handy Man” of the State
• The “Leader” of the EPWP
• The Regulator of the industries and associated professions falling under its jurisdiction.
• The Asset Manager for and on behalf of State.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (the Department) is committed to the attainment of a transformed built environment sector by:

• Providing strategic leadership to the South African construction and property industries;
• Establishing and ensuring compliance to policy and legislative prescripts for the:
  • Management of State-owned and leased-in immovable assets; and
  • South African construction and property sectors;
• Providing strategic direction on the integration of public works priorities; and
• Contributing to the national goals of job creation and poverty alleviation through public works programmes.