IFP to Support Budget if Mjwara Goes

March 13, 2007

The IFP has distanced itself from the 2007/2008 budget for the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs at portfolio committee level in the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Parliament.

The IFP has repeatedly called upon the Premier to dismiss the Head of Department of Agriculture, Dr Jabulani Mjwara, who is responsible for the department’s massive overspending to the tune of R125-million, and general mismanagement in the past couple of years.

“We will support the budget if the Premier complies with our call for the dismissal of Dr Mjwara. Dr Mjwara, given his history of mismanagement, cannot be trusted with yet another budget,” said IFP Chief Whip Henry Combrinck who also represents his party in the Agriculture portfolio committee.

The IFP is prepared to throw its support behind every government initiative that promotes delivery to the people of KwaZulu Natal. “At the same time, we cannot give our support to a budget that is to be administered by a person with a history of mismanagement,” said Combrinck.

Another objection the IFP has against the budget is the general lack of policy surrounding the proposed programmes. “There are programmes, such as BOTT (Build, Operate, Train and Transfer), Mechanisation, Indigenous Livestock, Unsolicited Bids and Mentorship, which have been budgeted for, but whose implementation lacks policy and direction,” said Combrinck.

The IFP is shocked to hear about the department’s failure to implement many of its past and running projects on the ground. “For the second year running, for example, maize and bean crop has failed. Preparation for projects is frequently neglected and planting often takes place out of season,” said Combrinck.

The IFP is also concerned about the Department’s lack of interaction with the respective portfolio committee. “This committee has yet to see detailed plans and business proposals regarding many of the departmental projects that have been budgeted for,” said Combrinck.

Contact: Henry Combrinck
082 576 7255