28 February 2008
 

The IFP's immediate reaction to the 2008/2009 KwaZulu Natal provincial budget is to welcome its generous allocations to health, education, agriculture and emerging entrepreneurs but, at the same time, it urges the provincial government to ensure "value for money". 

"We essentially agree with the MEC for Finance and Economic Development that the focus of education spending should be on the quality of training to meet the ubiquitous skills shortages. We also welcome the idea of funding educational options on the basis of market research," said Leader of the Official Opposition in the province, Dr Lionel Mtshali. 

The IFP also welcomes the monetary injection into the Department of Health but cautions against stagnant and unaccountable public service providers. 

"In our view, the provincial Aids Council is not an ideal instrument for the distribution of ARVs. The IFP is also critical of the move of responsibility for the provincial Aids Action Unit from the Department of Health to the Office of the Premier. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Department of Health to distribute ARVs and to step up the fight against HIV and MDR-XDR TB," said Dr Mtshali. 

The IFP likewise applauds the latest government initiatives to fund emerging entrepreneurs. "This is a step in the right direction as long as the funding is adequately monitored for efficiency and effectiveness by the Department for Economic Development rather than Ithala," said Dr Mtshali. 

The IFP urges most caution in connection with the budgeted state funding for the Department of Agriculture whose painful recovery to financial health has recently suffered a setback through factionalism in the new leadership. 

"We welcome all new ambitious projects but, at the same time, we are concerned about who will administer these funds given the virtual collapse of the department's management structures," said Dr Mtshali. 

The IFP will debate the budget in detail through parliamentary process.
 

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902