The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal commends the cost-cutting measures implemented by our two DA MECs of Finance and Public Works and Infrastructure immediately after taking up office.
With KZN drowning in billions of Rands worth of debt and lack of efficient services, we are proud that our MECs have set an example from the moment they hit the ground running.
One of the first orders of business by MEC of Finance, Francois Rodgers, was to shut down his department’s secondary Durban office which had cost taxpayers R1 million per annum – this translates to a staggering amount of just over R5 million saved over the full 5-year term of office.
Further, upon delivering his 2024/25 provincial budget last month, MEC Rodgers took the decision to cut out the middle man by printing his speech in-house and by doing so saving R30 000 of taxpayers’ hard-earnings.
We also applaud our MEC of Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, for what will be a historical cost-cutting budget that he will deliver tomorrow costing a mere R300. This is a mammoth contrast compared to the cost figure of around R300 000 previously spent in past administrations.
This massive reduction was achieved by MEC Meyer’s decision to do away with glossy booklets with his image printed on them, saying no to so-called goody bags for dignitaries and opting out of procured pull-up banners, among other measures.
MEC Meyer has even gone as far as sourcing artwork for his ministerial office from Empangeni High School this week, where he judged an art competition which saw him procure some of the artwork – a different take to the often pricey exclusive art pieces often seen hanging on the walls of many politicians.
The actions by these DA MECs are not only unusually refreshing but are a direct result of the clear mandate given to them by the DA to account for every Rand and prioritize economic growth above all else.
The DA in KZN is playing its part in the Government of Provincial Unity to the fullest while putting the people of this province first at all times.