3 April 2009
Following a report by a senior staff member of the Western Cape Provincial
Youth Commission to the Director-General, Ms V Petersen, of alleged misuse of
state assets by members of the Youth Commission, the matter was reported to the
Premier, Ms Lynne Brown, and the Cabinet.
Vincent Domingo, the Youth Commission chairperson, was suspended. On the
instruction of the Premier, a forensic audit of the financial transactions of
the Youth Commission was undertaken. Earlier this year a forensic audit report
was forwarded to the Premier for consideration. As a result of the
recommendations contained in the report, the Premier suspended the CEO of the
Youth Commission, Mr A Daniels, and Ms B Mankay, a member of the Youth
Commission, with a view to considering further appropriate action.
The Public Finance Management Act requires that losses of this nature be
reported to the South African Police Service. A report is in the process of
being compiled and the matter will be reported in due course. The National
Youth Development Agency Act was passed by Parliament last year. This Act makes
provision for the establishment of a National Youth Development Agency to
create and promote co-ordination of youth development matters in the whole
country.
The National Agency may also establish agencies at provincial and local levels.
The Agency and the Umsobomvu Fund will combine to enhance its financial
capacity.
As a result of the duplication and overlapping of functions that will result
from the continued existence of the Provincial Youth Commission, the Premier
has instructed that a Bill be drafted to repeal the Act which established the
Youth Commission. Once the repeal Act is passed by the Provincial Parliament
the Youth Commission will cease to exist.
The Bill has been drafted and approved by Cabinet for introduction in the
Provincial Parliament. The term of the remaining members of the Youth
Commission terminates on 31 May 2009. Thus for all intents and purposes the
Youth Commission will cease to exist on 31 May.
The Presidency has announced that the National Agency will commence
functioning during June 2009. Premier Brown said: "This Provincial Government
has an exemplary record when it comes to matters of clean and transparent
governance. The individuals concerned must be afforded their full rights and
are innocent until proven guilty.
"I am satisfied that in this instance no stone has been left unturned to
ensure that alleged impropriety is dealt with in the context of due and proper
process."
Enquiries:
A Wentzel
Media Liaison Officer of the Premier of the Western Cape
Tel: 021 483 2536
Cell: 083 642 2519
E-mail: anwentzel@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
3 April 2009
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
