The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands that MEC Maile review all entities that fall under the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and ensure that there is no duplication of work.
The Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) has paid R7 053 800,36 to its 37 board members in what looks like a feeding trough while the province’s economy is struggling to grow and create employment opportunities.
This appalling decision was revealed in the annual report for the 2023/2024 financial year on page 135. This agency missed six of its targets in 2023/24. During the period under review, the economy grew by less than the population growth and there were more people without jobs in Gauteng. The agency is arguably failing. The DA in Gauteng will investigate if board members have links to, or are related to, the ANC and its hierarchy, and will be asking what role the ANC’s deployment committee played in their appointment.
The members of the board that were paid this money were:
Advocate Kgotso Maja (Board Chairperson)
Advocate Lentswe Mokhatle
Dr Charity Mbileni-Morema
Dr Ezra Ndwandwe
Dr Deenadayalen Konar
Dr Natalie Skeepers
Dr Sibongile Vilakazi
Dr Bongani Mabizela
Mphulo Sebethoma
Raleshaba Moeng
Sipho Mbele
Ashley Latchu
Batuna Mboniswa
David Maimela
Kristen Sukdev
Phila Nyandu
Raymond Mabo
Errol Magerman
Thembisa Fakude
Gugu Yende
Tshegofatsa Ditshwane
Xolani Zulu
Bonisile Gantile
German More
Pule Mofekeng
Rendani Memphis Wana
Dikeledi Tsotetsi
Meloney Van Eck
Nelisiwe Thankewayo
Carol Maluleka
Joyce Phiri
Princes Mangoma
Refilwe Letwaba (Deputy
Board Chairperson)
Thandi Godongwana
Thabiso Kutumela
Noluthando Mashologu
Much of the function of the GGDA is duplicated by other government departments and agencies. Conferences like the Gauteng Investment Conference held in April can be handled by the department itself, and not by the GGDA.
The GGDA likes to take credit for the investment that flows into the province. However, there is no clear evidence that foreign and domestic investment occurred as a result of their initiatives. The question should be, “Would there be any fewer jobs created if the GGDA did not exist?” The answer is no, and this is evident that Premier Lesufi does not know how to grow an economy.
A DA-led provincial government would stamp out duplication of government effort and lack of real productivity. Taxpayers’ money would be spent efficiently. The board members that are effectively feeding troughs would be abolished.