Premier Nomvula Mokonyane this morning told Gauteng lawmakers her administration would implement "stricter accountability measures to address financial mismanagement in the province."
Delivering the Office of the Premier's annual report in the Gauteng Legislature, Mokonyane was critical of a lack of service delivery and wastage in the province and vowed that things would change. "We expect better accountability from our officials especially those in senior positions," Mokonyane said.
"It's not fair to hold lower-ranking officials accountable for financial mismanagement. The Executive Council has taken a resolution to hold Heads of Departments more accountable," she said.
Members of the Executive Council (MECs) are now expected to be more "hands-on" and be held accountable for the financial management of departments, the Gauteng Premier added.
Mokonyane further told the Legislature that the reprioritisation and realignment process in the Office of the Premier and at departments was started so as to deal with elements such as corruption and mismanagement of funds. Attacking corruption, Mokonyane said the provincial government was committed to the principles of transparency and public accountability in handling public funds.
Mokonyane said she would give a more detailed report tomorrow on the implementation of the government's programme of action and steps the provincial government is to take in dealing with management challenges.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
26 November 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za)
