Since 2019, R2.2 billion of taxpayers’ money has been allocated to the ANC-linked Mathew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance (MGSLG) without any oversight by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to determine whether this entity is providing value for money to the residents of Gauteng. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng will formally request the Public Protector to include the department’s lack of oversight in her ongoing investigation into MGSLG.
The failure to conduct oversight on MGSLG, a school supposedly offering training and development services, was laid bare during a recent meeting of the Gauteng Education Portfolio Committee. During the meeting, the department admitted that it does not monitor or assess how MGSLG spends public funds. This admission follows concerning remarks by MEC Matome Chiloane that, “The department does not directly participate in, nor does it exercise control over, the procurement decision or tender processes undertaken by MGSLG…”
According to the department, overseeing the awarding of tenders to third parties would contravene the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). However, the PFMA does not prohibit oversight; in fact, it mandates it. As the accounting officer, the Head of Department (HOD) is legally responsible under section 38 of the PFMA to ensure that funds are used only for their intended purpose, with proper financial controls and effective monitoring and reporting systems in place.
If money is given to another body like Matthew Goniwe, the PFMA makes it clear that the department must establish transfer agreements, conditions, and reporting requirements. That includes oversight over how the money is spent and to whom it is subcontracted or transferred further.
Shockingly, the department does not understand the law and its obligations to taxpayers.
Equally concerning is that cadre deployment appears to be central in the functioning of MGSLG, with its board members made up of ANC-connected individuals in Gauteng. They include the former provincial secretary of Gauteng ANC, Jacob Khawe, and regional secretary of the ANC in the City of Tshwane, George Matjila, among others. This raises a serious question: why are only those tied to the ANC considered fit to serve in this publicly funded institution?
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would adhere to the PFMA which is a law that regulates financial management within the national and provincial governments , ensuring all revenue, expenditure, assets, and liabilities are managed efficiently and effectively. It mandates transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in public financial management and provides for the responsibilities of those entrusted with managing public funds. We will work with the Auditor General to ensure that all Gauteng government departments and entities abide by this law. We will also ensure oversight on every government-funded programme so that residents get value for their contributions. We would also ensure transparency and fairness in the appointment of board members.