×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Problem is not provinces but mismanagement

I wish to add my voice to the growing number of calls to cut the number of provinces.

I wish to add my voice to the growing number of calls to cut the number of provinces.

By all means review the provinces and adjust policy accordingly, but before you do this, let us deal with the real problems.

The problems within the provinces are not due to their number, but rather to the inefficiency and mismanagement of the people whose task it is to run them. This will not go away with further centralisation of functions.

If anything, centralising government will just result in more glossing over of valuable oversight and probing, both of which are needed for more effective service delivery.

Let me take provincial audit statements as an example. Before 1994, we sat for only two days every year examining provincial finance reports. Two days to examine how and where money was spent! Whether we like it or not, there was not enough time to see where money was misspent.

Now we sit for an average of 40 days a year examining provincial finances. This allows us to point out where departments are fouling up the system. Now the problem is not lack of time. It is failure by the departments to take our recommendations and implement them. If the minister is looking to change anything, then he should cut away the deadwood management that gets paid, but does very little to address service delivery.

Brian Goodall

DA, Gauteng legislature

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.