IFP slates KZN legislature expansion
2012-10-14 22:45
Johannesburg - Plans to increase the staff of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature would add R35.5m to its running costs, the Inkatha Freedom Party said on Sunday.
IFP chief whip in the provincial legislature Mntomuhle Khawula said the expansion proposal was put forward by Manto Management Consultants.
"This is just one of the many ways to create jobs for pals and exercise cadre deployment for the ANC as there is absolutely no need for additional staff in the legislature," he said.
Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Mtholephi Mthimkhulu defended the move, saying it was in line with the oversight and accountability model adopted in April.
He said the province's legislature was the largest, in terms of demographics and other comparatives, but employed only 210 people.
This was very low compared to the Gauteng Legislature, which employed over 500 people and the Eastern Cape which employed 400.
Khawula said 101 more people would be employed if the plan were implemented.
"We are really saddened by this lack of political maturity and lack of simple corporate governance knowledge by some in leadership positions," Mthimkhulu said.
- SAPA
