A new director general (DG) for the Public Works department will be announced on Wednesday, after Parliament has ratified the appointment, Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge said on Thursday.

Speaking at a South African Property Owners Association convention at Sun City, in the North West province, he said that the candidate was a chartered accountant.

Last April, Manye Moroka resigned as Public Works DG, and was succeeded by Solly Malebye as acting DG until November, when Sam Vukela was appointed as acting DG.

Doidge said that the delay in appointing a permanent DG was as a result of the department revisiting the Public Works White Paper of 1998 to 1999.

"We have realised that Public Works is a sleeping giant, which has a huge potential. We had to review the business model and because we know where we are and what we want, we interviewed the suitable candidate for the post," said Doidge.

He noted that the filling of key posts in the department would enable it to be "rejuvenated and responsive".

"The appointment of a COO and DDG will be made within the next two weeks," Doidge stated.