Note to Editors: Please note Marlaine Nair, MPL sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has submitted formal written parliamentary questions (view here) to COGTA MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi following the recent handover of new vehicles to traditional leadership structures within the province. The questions also come after a public outcry over the decision.
The DA recognises and respects the important role played by Amakhosi and traditional leadership in KZN and this is not a question of opposing support for traditional leaders. Instead, it is a question of ensuring that any support provided by provincial government has been transparent, properly budgeted for, fair in its allocation and sustainable over time.
As a responsible party within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA firmly believes that programmes funded from the public purse must be clearly explained to the people of our province. They are entitled to know which traditional councils have received vehicles, how many were allocated, what they cost, whether they remain state assets and who will carry the ongoing burden of fuel, insurance and maintenance.
Clarity is also needed on whether these vehicles would create any tax liability – either as a donation if ownership is transferred, or as a taxable benefit if they remain state-owned but are provided for private use.
Equally important is clarity on what budget adjustments were made to fund these purchases, the criteria that informed the choice of vehicle and whether this programme is affordable in the current fiscal climate.
Good governance is strengthened, not weakened, by transparency. The DA looks forward to MEC Buthelezi’s response so that the full facts can be placed on record and the public properly informed.