By: Sihle Sikhakhane

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu, after a day of being inaugurated, held the bull by its horns.

The two-day workshop took place at an undisclosed location. It marked the beginning of hard work with the program of action for the current government during their term of office. The orientation surprised many showing the “competency” of the incumbent council as it had started only a day after Mchunu was inaugurated.

“In my inaugural address, I pointed out that commitment of this government to ensure that all the resources of the state are used to alleviate poverty and for the transformation of this province. Importantly, I assured the people of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, who voted us into office that we will ensure that the state resources are not diverted for other purposes,” said Mchunu

The Premier said that the burden of poverty weighed heavily on many ordinary members of society in this province. He added that the immediate task of the government is to ensure the integration of the work of government in order to make an impact.

“It is for these reasons that items in our agenda are focusing on issues of good governance. Good governance is about being exemplary and it’s about adhering to the highest ethical conduct. As members of the executive council we are expected to provide leadership to Heads of Departments, CFOs, Mayors and the entire government on issues of financial management practices. This is the issue that has always been emphasized by the Auditor General,” Mchunu said.

The orientation had its focal point on the competence within three spheres and departments which are the Public Service Act; Public Service Regulations; Executive Members Ethics Act, Public Finance Management Act and the role of the MEC as the executing authority of a Department as well as the ministerial handbook.

The new KwaZulu-Natal cabinet. Pictures from the Premier’s website.

Mchunu said the point of the whole orientation was on the understanding of all these prescripts and how they will ensure that they provide leadership to their respective departments such that they achieve a clean bill of health.

“It has been proven all over the world that a clean bill of health not only improves the public image of government but it also attracts national and foreign direct investments. This is what all members of the executive council must seek to achieve,” he said.

The committee discussed the importance of inter-governmental relations in this regard. They reached a consensus that they would put in place systems that would ensure synergies among all government departments.