MBOMBELA – Board members of the province’s parastatals can expect to be subjected to stricter criteria before possible future appointments.
Premier Mr David Mabuza told legislature last week during an oral question-and-answer session that they were working on the organisational culture of public entities, a structure he said was currently not receptive to turnaround strategies.
“Our starting point is to get at least the basics right.” These are good governance and leadership as well as performing more diligence in recruiting and appointing board members, which should in the future include that they possess past experience.”
In response to questions submitted by DA MPL Mr Anthony Benadie about preventing political interference by the executive in boards, especially in the case of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), Mabuza responded that the relevant MEC’s role was regulated by legislation.
Yet since the board reports to the MEC for economic development and tourism, Mr Eric Kholwane, it cannot override a decision by the executive. Dealing with expired contracts for executive managers and the recruitment process, lies with the board, with some elements delegated to the CEO.
In a follow-up question by DA MPL Mr Bosman Grobler about the speculated-upon fate of the current CEO of the MTPA, Mabuza said he didn’t know whether Mr Jacques Modipane has been or would be removed. Mabuza added that in general parastatals tend to rely on the government for funding. A “challenge” of excessive special board meetings which deplete resources, has also come to the province’s attention.
“Our approach is that this practice must be discouraged so that meetings are not called when it is not necessary. Currently we are working with the public entities on guidelines to ensure that there is some measure of control without stifling the work of the boards. Not all board members are guilty of this practice. We have responsible members with integrity.”
