Public officials must face real consequences for financial losses, Advocate Bhaso Yalezo told business leaders during a recent post-budget engagement in Zimbali.

Yalezo warned that corruption and weak governance continue to undermine effective government.

He addressed business leaders, academics and industry representatives at the breakfast hosted by provincial treasury MEC Francois Rodgers on Thursday, (March 12).

Yalezo said one of the public sector’s biggest weaknesses is the lack of personal accountability when financial losses occur. Many problems persist, he said, because officials are rarely held responsible when things go wrong.

“You find that the Auditor-General gives recommendations and the public sector fails to implement them. So we cannot say we have a problem somewhere else, we are our own problem,” said Yalezo.

He said the difference between the public and private sector is clear when it comes to discipline and consequences.

“In the private sector, if you misconduct yourself, within 30 days you are gone. In the public sector it can take three, five or even 10 years, depending on who you align yourself with. We need to be accountable. Proper governance requires that,” he said.

Yalezo emphasised that strong laws exist to hold officials personally liable for negligence, including constitutional provisions and public financial management legislation. Weak enforcement allows wrongdoing to continue without meaningful consequences.

Mary Kassam, chief operating officer of Docrra, supported Yalezo’s remarks and stressed the importance of implementation and community oversight.

“Legislation and policy act as the guardrails to keep government on track and move us towards collective goals, but they are meaningless without implementation and consequence management,” she said.

Yalezo spoke during a panel discussion with chartered accountant Mike Raftery of the Durban Chamber of Commerce.

The panel reflected on the provincial budget and broader economic priorities, while also discussing ways to strengthen the provincial economy.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.