JOHANNESBURG – OUTA announced the inclusion of Dr. Makhosi Khoza in it’s Local government programme. A move that was considered brave and delicate as some members of OUTA raised concerns over Makhosi’s short lived political career as well as her current image of a failed politician. The most discussed concern is related to her image and pay. Members wanted to know if her image would not taint the OUTA project and scare members away.
OUTA responded that members local municipality office opened will be funded separately by each towns occupants, ratepayers and business communities. That national efforts do not fund these initiatives and they must hold Local Government to account.
Dr Khoza said that she is excited about getting involved in a credible and apolitical platform. “It just makes more sense to make a difference in South Africa by empowering citizens on grassroots level and addressing maladministration and corruption in municipalities, free from politics. The intention here is to make a significant impact through civil society and not making noises in Parliament.”
Both Duvenage and Khoza expressed the importance of empowered and organised civil society to hold government to account. “It doesn’t matter which party is in power, civil society must ensure civil servants are held accountable for the efficient, economic and effective use of resources by municipalities, free from the abuse of authority,” said Duvenage.
OUTA expanded its mandate in February 2016 when the organisation added state-owned entities and state capture to its operations. In late 2017, the organisation began to develop its Local Government Programme and today, officially announces the launch of this new division, along with the announcement of Dr Khoza’s appointment to head up this new division within OUTA.
OUTA’s Chairperson Ferrial Adam said: “Dr Khoza’s appointment will add a new and welcome dimension to the organisation’s board and we look forward to her vision and expertise in the development and rollout of OUTA’s Local Government Programme.” Adam added: “OUTA is on a path to transforming accountability and transparency in South Africa at all levels and I am confident that we have the right team to make an impact.”
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