ActionSA acknowledges the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) for 2024 tabled by MEC Lebogang Maile in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Unfortunately, this statement represents yet another continuation of over a decade of government failures in the province.
As ActionSA, we believe the MEC’s MTBPS fails to chart a new path towards effective service delivery for the people of Gauteng. Instead, it appears to protect a political landscape that benefits corrupt and politically connected individuals.
Our concerns with the MTBPS focus on three key areas:
1. Governance Challenges.
The MEC highlighted significant governance issues, particularly non-compliance by municipalities.
Despite repeated promises from the provincial government, each new audit reveals the same persistent problems within local municipalities. ActionSA is sceptical that this time will be any different. To ensure compliance is genuinely addressed, ActionSA in the Gauteng Legislature will demand quarterly updates on the MEC’s efforts, in collaboration with other stakeholders to support municipalities in line with commitments made in the Legislature.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation of the Township Economic Development Plan.
We are deeply disappointed by the continued absence of proper monitoring and evaluation for the Township Economic Development Plan. While the MEC mentioned using the Township Economic Development Act 2 of 2022 (TEDA) to boost township economies, no new concrete steps for monitoring and evaluation were provided to ensure funds allocated to boosting the township economy are used in a proper manner. The current steps which are outlined in the funding process are not working.
Significant funds are allocated to support township economies, yet poor oversight allows for misuse and makes it susceptible to corruption. Many township businesses are struggling due to a flawed funding process. ActionSA expected the MEC to outline clear measures to address these oversight gaps and ensure accountability. The Family Tree matter is a good example of this failures.
3. Underspending and Funds Roll-Over
Underspending and the roll-over of funds are not victories but signs of poor governance. Gauteng faces severe infrastructure challenges, inadequate housing, and failing healthcare services. Yet, funds remain unspent. The R2.2 billion left unused in the last financial year is alarming. Even more concerning is that R1.2 billion was rolled over and celebrated as an achievement. This reflects a lack of commitment from the provincial government to address the urgent needs of Gauteng’s residents.
ActionS will closely monitor departmental budget spending, scrutinizing targets, expenditures, and timelines to prevent recurring underspending. We are committed to holding the government accountable and ensuring that public funds serve their intended purpose: improving the lives of the people of Gauteng.
ActionSA Notes Gauteng MTBPS, Raises Serious Concerns Over Continued Government Failures
ActionSA acknowledges the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) for 2024 tabled by MEC Lebogang Maile in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Unfortunately, this statement represents yet another continuation of over a decade of government failures in the province.
As ActionSA, we believe the MEC’s MTBPS fails to chart a new path towards effective service delivery for the people of Gauteng. Instead, it appears to protect a political landscape that benefits corrupt and politically connected individuals.
Our concerns with the MTBPS focus on three key areas:
1. Governance Challenges.
The MEC highlighted significant governance issues, particularly non-compliance by municipalities.
Despite repeated promises from the provincial government, each new audit reveals the same persistent problems within local municipalities. ActionSA is sceptical that this time will be any different. To ensure compliance is genuinely addressed, ActionSA in the Gauteng Legislature will demand quarterly updates on the MEC’s efforts, in collaboration with other stakeholders to support municipalities in line with commitments made in the Legislature.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation of the Township Economic Development Plan.
We are deeply disappointed by the continued absence of proper monitoring and evaluation for the Township Economic Development Plan. While the MEC mentioned using the Township Economic Development Act 2 of 2022 (TEDA) to boost township economies, no new concrete steps for monitoring and evaluation were provided to ensure funds allocated to boosting the township economy are used in a proper manner. The current steps which are outlined in the funding process are not working.
Significant funds are allocated to support township economies, yet poor oversight allows for misuse and makes it susceptible to corruption. Many township businesses are struggling due to a flawed funding process. ActionSA expected the MEC to outline clear measures to address these oversight gaps and ensure accountability. The Family Tree matter is a good example of this failures.
3. Underspending and Funds Roll-Over
Underspending and the roll-over of funds are not victories but signs of poor governance. Gauteng faces severe infrastructure challenges, inadequate housing, and failing healthcare services. Yet, funds remain unspent. The R2.2 billion left unused in the last financial year is alarming. Even more concerning is that R1.2 billion was rolled over and celebrated as an achievement. This reflects a lack of commitment from the provincial government to address the urgent needs of Gauteng’s residents.
ActionS will closely monitor departmental budget spending, scrutinizing targets, expenditures, and timelines to prevent recurring underspending. We are committed to holding the government accountable and ensuring that public funds serve their intended purpose: improving the lives of the people of Gauteng.