IFP: KZN BUDGET REVEALS LEGISLATIVE FLAWS

April 18, 2006

The 2006/2007 provincial budget has revealed the legislative flaws inherent in the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act pushed through last year amid fanfare by the ANC-led provincial government.

"First and foremost, the application of this act has not been budgeted for," said Sibusiso Ngidi MPP in the General Debate on the 2006/2007 Budget at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Parliament. "All expenditure ensuing from this legislation will inevitably be irregular and unauthorised."

One particular concern for the IFP is the installation of amakhosi under the new Act. "No clear plan is available as to how many installations are planned in a financial year. There is also no indication as to how much is spent in each installation ceremony," said Ngidi.

Based on recent observation, the IFP estimates that each function consumes far in excess of half a million rand. "Considering that such costs have not been budgeted for, the money spent can again only be irregular and unauthorised expenditure," said Ngidi.

The IFP also questions the logic and the dignity of a R4,6-million budget allocation for "houses for amakhosi". "Divided by 280, which is roughly the number of amakhosi in the province, the sum of R15,000 is bound to diminish rather than enhance the status of our traditional leadership," said Ngidi.

Contact:
Sibusiso Ngidi, 082 966 7745