17th December 2009

Dr Sbongiseni Dhlomo has attained high marks as the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, less than a year since he took office. Dhlomo came second to MEC Weziwe Thusi who got 7 out of 10, but he outperformed such veterans as MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu who received a lousy 2 out of 10 and Meshack Radebe. Dhlomo's commendable performance transpired from the assessment done by the KwaZulu-Natal Official Opposition, the Inkatha Freedom Party when it looked at the KwaZulu-Natal government's performance on the basis of the Auditor General's report on financial prudence, implementation of cost-cutting measures in the light of budget overdraft and economic downturn, and the general public opinion based on service delivery issues. IFP MPL and Leader of the Official Opposition, Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi scored the various departments as follows: 

1. Premier
The Royal Household department, under the Office of the Premier, is the only department to have received an adverse audit opinion and it has so far failed to effectively implement cost-cutting measures despite introduction of the Royal Trust Act.  It spent about R10 million on his inauguration, failed to appoint the DG and failed to take disciplinary action against some 900 public servants and their spouses who benefited from state contracts without necessary approval.  We settle on 4.5 out of ten as an overall mark for the Premier.

2. Community Safety, Liaison and Transport
Both departments have received a clean bill of health but the current MEC has only been appointed about three months ago. He has, however, managed to implement some of the cost-cutting measures in his departments.  The MEC has managed to work in partnership with IFP and SAPS to bring relative peace in Umvoti but Transport under-budget will affect service delivery.  We give this MEC 4 out of ten score. 

3. Economic Development
Although the Department has received some positive feedback on audit opinion, concerns have been raised about the failure of its public entities, namely Ithala bank and Provincial Growth Fund, to manage public funds and to ensure effective management of service delivery programmes.  We give the MEC a score of 2 out of 10 marks. 

4. Local Government and Traditional Affairs
Although this department has received a clean bill of health from the AG, more than 15 municipalities have received adverse audit opinions or disclaimers.  The MEC is relatively new and it had initially shown reluctance to implement government's cost cutting measures.  The MEC receives a mark of 5 out of a score of ten. 

5. Education
Education is one of the two departments which are the main culprits in terms of the Public Service Commission's report on government employees who benefited from state contracts.  Huge backlog in the building of classes and toilets, and 2 buildings in Pinetown and Ladysmith which are white elephants, are the second contributor to provincial budget overdraft of R3 billion. The MEC receives a score of 3.5 out of ten. 

6. Finance
The Ministry lied to the Legislature that it was seized with the building of the new multi-million rand Legislature complex while the Legislature was responsible for this expensive project.  The hurried redeployment of the former HOD for Treasury to Ithala Bank has left a cloud hanging over this department.  The MEC scores a mark of 4 out of ten marks. 

7. Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation
Sports and Recreation received a clean audit opinion and Arts & Culture has been at the forefront of promoting heritage events.  The MEC receives a score of 7 out of ten marks. 

8. Social Development
Although the department received a good audit opinion, it has failed to effectively implement budget cost-cutting measures by organizing jamborees across the length and breadth of KZN, and distributing food parcels in areas where there are by-elections.  The MEC has, however, received a prestigious award for service delivery and therefore he receives a score of 3.5 out of 10 marks. 

9. Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development
The failure of the department to settle the long-standing matter involving its HOD, Advocate Mannyi has tarnished its reputation.  Some of its projects such as Amanguni cattle breeding, mushroom farming and planting of Chinese rice have not taken off.  The rolling out of the One-Home-One-Garden project has good prospects for alleviating poverty.  The MEC receives a score of 2.5 out of 10. 

10. Health
The department is responsible for the lion's share of the R3 billion provincial overdraft.  However, it has shown unwavering commitment to implement budget cost-cutting measures. It has also displayed great departure from AIDS denialism and commitment to work with all stakeholders.  There are still question marks about implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI).  The MEC receives a score of 6.5 out of ten marks. 

11. Human Settlements and Public Works
Although the department has well-managed public funds, there are concerns about its failure to manage the provincial assets.  There are also concerns about effective management of service delivery programmes of houses - poor quality.  The MEC receives a mark of 4 out of ten. 

12. Overall performance of KZN government
Although KZN received praises from the AG in managing public funds, he raised concerns about failure to manage its assets.  The Royal Household department received an adverse audit opinion while the department of Sports and Recreation obtained a clean audit report.  In terms of the shortcomings in the effective management of service delivery programmes, KZN scored above the national average of 40% by getting 30%.  The change in the approach of government to work in harmony with opposition parties has been a breath of fresh air.  The overall performance of KZN government is 5 out of ten.
 

For Further Information:
Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi IFP MPL
Leader: KZN Official Opposition                           
082 516 0156