The IFP has slated KwaZulu Natal MEC for Social Development Meshack Radebe who did not hesitate to add to an already overspent departmental budget the cost of a private security company despite the allocation of a South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP security unit. 

"It is unprecedented for an MEC to engage the services and incur the cost of a private security company given the allocation of a state-funded VIP protection unit. This is an unnecessary duplication of government expenditure," said Leader of the Official Opposition in KwaZulu Natal Dr Lionel Mtshali.  

The IFP has dismissed this item on the department's budget as the height of fiscal irresponsibility. "This expenditure along with the extravagant government advertising no doubt adds to the multi-billion rand over-expenditure of the entire provincial government," said Dr Mtshali. 

The IFP has also noted that the Departments of Social Development and Health have recently had to cancel the supply and distribution of food parcels due to their overspent budgets. "Can the MEC credibly explain to the people of KwaZulu Natal that his department could find money for a private security company but, at the same time, had to cancel food parcels for those who depend on them?" - said Dr Mtshali.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902