DA debates 2016/17 Gauteng Treasury annual report

The following speeches were delivered in the Gauteng Legislature today by DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Finance, Adriana Randall MPL and DA Gauteng Chief Whip, Mike Moriarty MPL during the debate on the Gauteng Treasury’s 2016/17 annual report.

Speech by
Adriana Randall MPL

“Treasury fails to hold those who hold the purse strings to account”

  • It is concerning that the department spent R5.7 million on advertising. There is very little to show for this advertising, and it is unlikely that the department received bang for its buck;
    • Although a cost containment strategy was implemented, Gauteng Provincial Treasury is of the opinion that accounting officers from the different departments are responsible for their own cost containment, which by in large has been minimal;
    • Adequate performance information systems are key to measure service delivery to the public. If information on these systems is not reported accurately and completely it may have a negative effect on service delivery. Key officials must have appropriate competencies to ensure adequate performance is rolled out.
    • There is weak governance in some of our municipalities, and inadequate leadership and guidance. Provincial Treasury has a crucial role to play here and needs to ensure that strategic objectives are achieved and aligned to current challenges.

The full speech can be obtained here.

Speech by
Mike Moriarty MPL

“Gauteng failing to implement game changing public-private partnerships”

  • I wish to place on record that the MEC and her departments have been constructive in matters of inter-governmental cooperation and resolving disputes;
    • But some delivery achievements have been overstated. For example, there are very few GIFA projects that reach physical reality despite the millions that get transferred to that entity every year.
    • In the Portfolio Committee, the officials report a lack of appetite in the market for GIFA projects, in particular, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). But the National Treasury indicates otherwise;

The full speech can be obtained here.