The most startling statement to emerge from the Premier's State of the Province Address this year was Dr Sibusiso Ndebele's declared determination to fight corruption. 

It is rumoured that last week's was the Premier's last opportunity to make a presentation of this kind and he must have drafted his speech with an eye to securing a lasting legacy. Sadly, Dr Ndebele could never be remembered as a legitimate corruption buster. 

This was someone who has consistently and recklessly deployed loyal ANC cadres to top positions at key government departments and state institutions. This was someone who has inculcated in the governing elite a culture of entitlement and elevated greed to be a prerequisite for government service. 

In order to make room for cronies and close relatives, Premier Ndebele and the members of his cabinet literally purged the province's civil service of many qualified and deserving individuals. Their replacements were frequently appointed on the basis of their loyalty to the ANC or one faction of it, and often without any management, technical or planning skills. 

The most glaring example of cronyism coupled with nepotism was the appointment of Dr Jabulani Mjwara to the position of Head of Department at Agriculture. Dr Mjwara's mismanagement resulted in the largest volume of fiscal overspending in the history of KwaZulu Natal - to the tune of R125-million. 

Despite calls from the opposition for a thorough investigation into fraud and corruption in the department, the Premier shielded Dr Mjwara from parliamentary scrutiny and criticism for over two years. 

Premier Ndebele's pledge to fight corruption rings hollow. Dr Mjwara and many other similar appointments who have defrauded the province and successfully evaded police investigation seem to be the real beneficiaries of the Ndebele administration. 

By contrast, the people of KwaZulu Natal, whom the government should serve, have had to get by on a regular dose of rhetoric from Premier Ndebele.

Dr Lionel Mtshali

Leader of the Official Opposition 

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902