Concerns take centre stage in Premier’s budget vote speech

During the Office of the Premier’s budget vote speech in the Legislative chamber in Lebowakgomo last Tuesday, Premier Stan Mathabatha stressed that the sixth administration could not tolerate under-expenditure when many people are still without basic services such as clean water, sanitation, electricity and proper road infrastructure.
He said there would be harsh consequences against Provincial Government officials who fail to use budgets and resources meant to provide residents with basic services. Mathabatha further stated that a wastage of resources and corruption undermine the rights of the people just as the apartheid regime did. He went on to raise concern that a number of government departments were still lagging behind when coming to payment of service providers within a 30-day period. Paying service providers on time is vital for the financial health of small and emerging business, Mathabatha reminded.
While the Office of the Premier received an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor General, he indicated that they have noted a few management issues which require urgent attention and action. The one area where the office is not doing well is with regard to the equity targets. He went on to state that they were concerned about the representation of females at senior management level. He added that there were many female employees between the salary levels of 1 to 12 and fewer from remuneration level 13 upwards. This issue would receive undivided attention during the course of this financial year and going forward, Mathabatha undertook.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za