Limpopo’s finances “back on track”

Premier Stanley Mathabatha said the provincial government’s systems were running smoothly again when he opened the provincial legislature in Lebowakgomo last Thursday.

Five provincial departments, namely roads and transport, health and social development, the treasury, public works and education were placed under administration in December 2011, after it was discovered that there was a high level of financial mismanagement in the provincial departments. At the time, the provincial government had an overdraft of R2,7 billion.

Mathabatha was appointed as Limpopo Premier in July 2013, after the resignation of Mr Cassel Mathale. “I am proud to announce that the province had improved to a positive cash position of R4,4 billion at the end of January this year. I can assure the people of Limpopo that all is well and the provincial financial system is in good standing,” he added.

He said the province had reduced the unemployment rate by 2.2% from 19.1% to 16.9% between 2012 and last year. He emphasised that his government was committed to the fight against corruption. “We can say without fear of contradiction that we have taken our gloves off and we are pushing hard against corruption. To date, about 300 civil servants, including high-ranking officials, have either been charged or face corruption-related charges,” Mathabatha added.

Date:27 February 2014

By: Silas Nduvheni

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