New minister aims to turn things around

TRANSPORT Minister Joe Maswanganyi yesterday outlined several turnaround strategies at state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that fall into his portfolio.

He said at a Pretoria press conference that he hoped the planned reforms would help the entities to drive a developmental agenda and, above all, to cut corruption.

“Moving forward, with South Africa aspiring to be a developmental state, we are envisioning a framework for SOE reform and optimal contribution to equitable growth, development, transformation, and service delivery,” Maswanganyi said.

Listing the long list of reforms, which include improving financial analysis, assessing performance based on efficiency and effectiveness as well as service delivery, harmonising remuneration principles, policies and practices across the SOEs to ensure competitiveness and optimum retention of personnel, and improving transport SOE’s collaboration and coordination, Maswanganyi said the fight against crime was high on the agenda.

“In implementing all these reforms, we remain committed to fight against all forms of crime and corruption,” said Maswanganyi.

“As the Department of Transport, we are going to establish a strong institutional capacity to complement the basic investigative work, in collaboration with such institutions as the Public Protector, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Special Investigating Unit, the Public Service Commission, the Financial Intelligence Centre and also the Auditor-General.

During the question and answer session, Maswanganyi faced a barrage of questions over the current performance of SOEs, many of which struggle financially and perennially receive bailouts from the state.

“I don’t know what is disingenuous about telling our people the facts. We are serious about these turnaround strategies to make sure that the institutions are fully functional, efficient and effective,” said Maswanganyi– ANA