Recent contradictory statements by Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile raise serious questions about the provincial government’s credibility and commitment to transparent governance.
The DA has already submitted questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, to ascertain the steps that will be taken to ensure that Gauteng Provincial Government does not go bankrupt.
In September 2024, Maile publicly warned that Gauteng could face bankruptcy due to spiralling liabilities in the health department, national budget cuts, and outstanding e-toll obligations. By January 2025, however, Maile has dramatically reversed course, dismissed any suggestion of a looming financial crisis and accused unspecified detractors of peddling lies and having an agenda to discredit the Gauteng government.
Such rhetorical about-turns by politicians exposes an alarming pattern of intellectual dishonesty and is an attempt by Maile to walk back the damage caused by his original comments. Shifting blame onto vague third parties does not negate the fact that Gauteng’s cash crunch already impacts service delivery, particularly in healthcare, education, infrastructure maintenance and social services.
This whitewashing exercise by Maile does little to reassure residents and stakeholders who witness daily the consequences of poor financial management. The province’s balance of irregular expenditure, estimated at a staggering R46 billion, cannot be casually dismissed.
Irregular expenditure, especially related to procurement, frequently signals corruption or, at minimum, a critical breakdown in internal controls. Investigation of the irregular expenditure will shine the light on the quantum of corruption, but these investigations have not been carried out as required by finance officials. This abdication of responsibility is applicable to several departments, including Health, Human Settlements, Infrastructure and Social Development.
Maile’s insistence that “finances are in good hands” is contradicted by the very real evidence of irregular expenditure, unpaid creditors, a lack of funds to fill crucial vacancies, and the inability to acquire essential goods and services.
A DA government would be transparent about the financial crisis, strengthen procurement processes, pursue consequence management for irregular spending, prioritise essential public services over questionable projects and provide oversight over financial management in departments.
Continued evasion and blame-shifting from those in power will only propel the province into deeper financial distress. A proactive and honest approach, coupled with decisive action against mismanagement, is urgently needed to restore confidence and protect the well-being of millions who call Gauteng home.