ANC: world champs of excess and wastage

I CAN fully understand Pierre Uys’s concern (Argus, September 12) about official visits and their return on investment. But Mr Uys is seriously confused because he should know that the party he represents, the ANC, is probably the worst example of wastage of public funds.

Let me give a few examples. At the recent international legislature conference in Canada, the ANC-run provinces, together with our national Parliament, managed to send the single largest delegation of any country on Earth – close to 50 members and officials. The DA-run Western Cape sent just one member and one official.

Not satisfied with this small army of public officials paid for by the taxpayers, some ANC delegations managed to increase their daily per diem tariff to some 400% of the prescribed rate. This example is not unique. Take any of the Commonwealth Association (yes, you read it correctly) events and the delegations from ANC provinces are gross by any standards. Tens of millions are spent on transport.

“Official” trips to every conceivable point on the globe magically coincide with sports events like the Olympic Games, boxing events or some jazz festival. No reports emanate (certainly not to Parliament) and certainly no return on investment is evident.

On the contrary, the reported behaviour of some delegates gets mirrored by the lack of national investment and negative growth.

By contrast, in the Western Cape, any trip is carefully planned and any possible benefit evaluated beforehand. The smallest possible delegation of public representatives is sent, supported by expert officials. Every activity on the trip is recorded and reported on to the relevant standing committee.

The results show. The DA-led Western Cape growth and investment rate is excellent. Perhaps Mr Uys should travel more – to ANCrun provinces – to get the picture.

MARK WILEY, MPP Chief Whip (DA) Provincial Legislature