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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) welcomes the decision by newly appointed Public Works and Infrastructure (PW&I) MEC Martin Meyer to reduce unnecessary expenditure on niceties - including goodie bags for guests and politicians, along with new banners and billboards - in the run up to the province’s budget process.

The announcement, in the form of a departmental circular issued late last week, is in line with KZN Premier, Thami Ntuli’s call to ensure that every Rand is spent on the people of our province.

MEC Meyer’s courageous decision shows a firm commitment to this while also acknowledging the severe strain that the provincial budget is 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.

The MEC has further announced that there will be no new diaries with his image on them, no new framed photographs of him in every KZN PW&I office and definitely no new billboards with his image as they do not speak to the department’s mandate.

The move sends a clear message that MEC Meyer is serious about ensuring that public funds are used to improve the lives of KZN’s people.

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.

The DA will continue to offer alternatives and positive solutions to the challenges we may encounter, allowing us to showcase our track record of good governance. We have one goal - to build a better KZN, for all.

Issued by Tammy Colley, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Public Works and Infrastructure