IT has become clear that many provincial governments are dysfunctional. This is supported by the bleak picture of Auditor-General Terence Nombembe's audit reports.
They say the provincial departments have wasted R21-billion, mostly on irregular and unauthorised expenditure.
Nombemb's revelations come after the cabinet has taken a decision to take control of the Limpopo provincial government, which is technically bankrupt.
It also took a decision to help other provinces like Gauteng and Free State.
The fruitless expenditure that Nombembe does not record in his audit reports is the millions paid out to members of provincial legislatures who have neglected their duties. Why have a province like Limpopo suffering through serious profligacy problems without the legislature raising a finger?
It's simply because the provincial legislatures have failed to appreciate the seriousness of the mandate the Constitution imposes on them.
They are also run by the same people who run the administrations and who are often the ones who decide whether or not MPs should be elevated. As it stands the system is designed to curtail oversight over government.
Some of the provinces have made payments to service providers that have not done any work. This is the money budgeted for service delivery.
In some provinces politicians instructed civil servants on which companies should get tenders.
It is quite clear that we are faced with a twin problem of corrupt politicians and compromised civil servants.
The government has to come to grips with the challenge of an effective bureaucracy and a working state at all levels of governance.
Recently Finance Minister Pravin Gorhdan said the government needed skilled, capable and committed cadres to build South Africa. He is right. But, where are they?
ANC leaders are preoccupied with fighting for control of the party in order to influence tenders. ANC leaders have conceded to this problem.
The challenge is biting the bullet and implementing the solutions that are at the disposal of government leaders.
As Gordhan suggested, new people are required at all levels of government. We urge Gordhan and his cabinet colleagues to find the new cadres and give them space to operate.
The problem is that the new cadres Gordhan is calling for are also in short supply in the national cabinet.
Find the right cadres
IT has become clear that many provincial governments are dysfunctional. This is supported by the bleak picture of Auditor-General Terence Nombembe's audit reports.
They say the provincial departments have wasted R21-billion, mostly on irregular and unauthorised expenditure.
Nombemb's revelations come after the cabinet has taken a decision to take control of the Limpopo provincial government, which is technically bankrupt.
It also took a decision to help other provinces like Gauteng and Free State.
The fruitless expenditure that Nombembe does not record in his audit reports is the millions paid out to members of provincial legislatures who have neglected their duties. Why have a province like Limpopo suffering through serious profligacy problems without the legislature raising a finger?
It's simply because the provincial legislatures have failed to appreciate the seriousness of the mandate the Constitution imposes on them.
They are also run by the same people who run the administrations and who are often the ones who decide whether or not MPs should be elevated. As it stands the system is designed to curtail oversight over government.
Some of the provinces have made payments to service providers that have not done any work. This is the money budgeted for service delivery.
In some provinces politicians instructed civil servants on which companies should get tenders.
It is quite clear that we are faced with a twin problem of corrupt politicians and compromised civil servants.
The government has to come to grips with the challenge of an effective bureaucracy and a working state at all levels of governance.
Recently Finance Minister Pravin Gorhdan said the government needed skilled, capable and committed cadres to build South Africa. He is right. But, where are they?
ANC leaders are preoccupied with fighting for control of the party in order to influence tenders. ANC leaders have conceded to this problem.
The challenge is biting the bullet and implementing the solutions that are at the disposal of government leaders.
As Gordhan suggested, new people are required at all levels of government. We urge Gordhan and his cabinet colleagues to find the new cadres and give them space to operate.
The problem is that the new cadres Gordhan is calling for are also in short supply in the national cabinet.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos