Cabinet Media Statement
27 June 2013
The Mpumalanga Executive Council yesterday [Wednesday,
26 June 2013] held a special meeting which focused mainly on approving the
operational plans of the departments.
Cabinet approved the operational plans, but made more
emphasis that departments should pay all their accruals.
Cabinet scrutinised the operational plans in an effort
to ensure that they are in line with the annual performance plans and the
pronouncement made by the Honourable Premier at the state of the province
address.
The departments are expected not underspend nor
overspend on the budget allocation of more R33 billion appropriated by the
provincial legislature for this financial year.
The budget was allocated for improving the quality of
educations and skills improve health profiles, create decent work and
sustainable livelihoods. It is again meant for fighting crime and
corruption, ensuring integrated human settlements and expanding access to
basic services.
Lastly the budget is meant for ensuring social
cohesion, nation building and building capacity of the state as well as
deepening democracy.
Cabinet raised a concern that although all the priorities have been included in the operational plans, there would be a need for constant monitoring by the Office of the Premier and the Provincial Treasury of the budget expenditure to ensure that necessary intervention takes place whenever necessary.
The Provincial Treasury will continue to provide
expert advice and guidance on the implementation of the provincial budget
and enforce policy procedures to ensure efficient and economical use of the
resources in accordance with the priorities of the government.
Cabinet approved the operational plan of the
department of education and expressed satisfaction on the manner the
department was planning to deal with R101 million accruals.
The department’s accruals decreased from R351 million
in 2011/12 financial year to R101 million in 2012/2013 financial year. The
department which is regarded as one of the big spenders presented “workable
plan” which amongst other include delaying filling in of vacant posts,
reducing on advertising, travel and subsistence and catering.
The department acknowledged that the funding for
accruals was largely from operational costs hence the effectiveness of the
officials would be negatively affected.
The department of health’s operational plan was
approved in principle as there was still a need for it to appear before the
budget and finance committee to explain the breakdown of its budget.
The Executive council still wants to be convinced by
the department of Health that medical supplies and payments for blood have
been adequately catered for. The executive Council also wants to make sure
that all issues that resulted in the stalling of infrastructure delivery in
the previous year are attended to, including Rob
Ferreira and Kwamhlanga hospital. Finally that the Department has
prioritised of paying the service providers within 30 days as pronounced by
government.
The departments were further warned not to
unilaterally shift funds without approval from the executive council as such
would offset the entire operation plan.
Other approvals
The executive council also approved:
- Integrated School Safety Plans
- Integrated Youth Skills Development Strategy
- Integrated HIV and AIDS Plan
- Integrated School Sport Plan
- Integrated CRDP Municipality Plans
- The Provincial Celebration of Youth Month in
Driekoppies Stadium, Nkomazi Municipalities on 29 June 2013
Appointments
Cabinet approved the following appointments:
- Ms N Mbatha – horizontally transferred from SAPS
national to the post of Chief Director: Provincial Government
Communications and Information Services [Office of the Premier]
- Ms L J Siamuyuwa – appointed Senior Manager: Planning and Programme Management [Office of the Premier]
- Mr V S Makhubedu – appointed DDG: Financial
Management [Department of Health]
- Mr V E Khoza – appointed Chief Director: Gert
Sibande District [Department of Health]
Issued by Zibonele Mncwango
Spokesperson: Mpumalanga Premier
Tel: (013) 766 – 2453
Mobile: 079 491 0163
E-mail: zmncwango@mpg.gov.za
Issued by the Communication Chief Directorate, Office of the Premier
