The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) said newly appointed Public Works and Infrastructure (PW&I) MEC Martin Meyer’s decision to reduce unnecessary expenditure on “niceties”, sends a clear message that he is serious about ensuring that public funds are used to improve the lives of KZN residents.

The announcement, in the form of a departmental circular issued late last week, was in line with KZN Premier Thami Ntuli’s call to ensure that every rand was spent on the people of the province, said DA KZN spokesperson on Public Works and Infrastructure Tammy Colley.

The party welcomed the decision, which will cut unnecessary expenditure, including goodie bags for guests and politicians, along with new banners and billboards, in the run-up to the province’s budget process.

Colley said Meyer’s “courageous decision” showed a firm commitment to cutting cost, while also acknowledging the severe strain that the provincial budget was currently under.

“Seemingly simple things, such as not printing glossy PW&I budget pamphlets, using existing promotional materials - as opposed to procuring new ones - and eliminating budget day goodie bags for guests and politicians all mean more money can be spent where it matters,” she said.

She further highlighted that Meyer announced that there would be no new diaries with his image on them, no new framed photographs of him in every KZN PW&I office and no new billboards with his image as they did not speak to the department’s mandate.

“The MEC has committed to turning around his department and making it an example of good governance. He has further committed to ensuring that the needs of KZN’s residents are placed at the forefront of all decisions taken by this office,” she noted.

The DA said it would continue to offer alternatives and positive solutions to the challenges residents may encounter, allowing the party to showcase its track record of good governance.