Intervention in Limpopo: MOU still not signed yet

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Limpopo and national governments has not been signed yet and the transition to a less invasive administration process is not complete.

This despite premier Stanley Mathabatha’s announcement last month that the memorandum of agreement between Limpopo and the national government to place the province in a Section 100 (1) (b) administration, up from a Section 100 (1) (a) administration, will be signed before the end of the month.

Upon enquiry by Review yesterday (Monday), provincial spokesperson, Phuti Seloba, said the province has already signed their part of the memorandum.

“The process is nearing conclusion. All the cabinet ministers need to sign the agreement. There were differences in the interpretation of various issues, but the parties have found each other and the two parties are of the same mind of what should happen next in Limpopo. All that is left is the finalisation of the paperwork and the departure of all the administrators,” Seloba said.

Seloba said the national government has done a good job of stabilisation in the province.

“They have worked hard to do this and the province will continue to cooperate with the national government to see that we do not regress,” he said.

According to Seloba, the department of health is on its way to recovery, as it has come out of a disclaimer to a qualified audit report.

“They are busy with the procurement of equipment, there is warm water in the boilers and patients have clean clothes to wear,” he said.

“The Limpopo administration is serious about the fact that there will be consequences if departments do not perform well. The time for holidays is over. The departments are working with public funds and there are programmes underway to fill any gaps.”

He said the premier and the provincial executive were adamant that public confidence must be restored and any official who embarrassed them would face the consequences for actions taken or the lack of actions taken.

“We have arrived. The national government has done enough.

“There is a capable, committed and dedicated team of people at the helm. They have to be reminded here and there of a few things, but we are on the road to full recovery and it will be achieved.”

Seloba would not commit to a specific date when the memorandum would be signed, but said it would be soon.