Johannesburg - The North West government has resolved to establish internal structures to manage and provide services instead of using consultants and outsourcing, premier Supra Mahumapelo's office said on Monday.
“(The) premier has directed departments to limit services for which external service providers are required, but rather to build internal capacity to provide such services,” said spokesman Sam Mokaila in a statement.
“Government will start a progressive process to take over services like provision of food in hospitals and schools to be directly managed by respective departments.”
The premier was responding to a report in Sunday's City Press which claimed that national and provincial government spent more than R30 billion on consultants and outsourcing in the last financial year.
The premier's office had reportedly spent R250 000 “and above” on an event manager, according to its annual report.
Bonolo Mohlakoana from the premier's office was quoted as saying: “Showtime events management was engaged to do events management for the office of the premier for all events costing more than R200 000. It was secured through normal tendering processes.”
But in his statement, Mahumapelo claimed that his administration had not signed any contracts with any companies to provide event management services and that an internal structure comprising government officials would be used.
The premier had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) for the planning, co-ordination, and implementation of all major infrastructure projects in the province.
“Through this agreement, (the) premier has directed that DBSA assist government to build internal capacity and ensure that all projects are delivered on time and within approved budgets,” Mokaila said.
The premier had also ensured that all meetings were held using government buildings and facilities to keep costs to a minimum.
Sapa