We have detected that the browser you are using is no longer supported. As a result, some content may not display correctly.
We suggest that you upgrade to the latest version of any of the following browsers:
close notification
Newl
y-appointed director general (DG) to the Department of Finance
Lesetja Kganyago looked confident and focused sitting next to
Finance Minister Trevor Manuel in Pretoria yesterday.
"Maria Ramos left the department in good shape but even so there
are improvements that can be made. There is enough brain power
around this department to figure out ways of improving ourselves
and making it an even leaner and smarter machine," Kganyago told
reporters in Pretoria.
He said his new aims included improving the outward image of the
finance department and making it the place all economic graduates
would want to go to train further.
"I also want to improve our interaction with other departments
because no government can develop a coherent economic policy
without departments speaking to each other".
Kganyago was one of 23 applicants who applied for the job including
two whom Manuel described as lottery players.
"They were definitely not nearly qualified enough, but I suppose
they chucked their CVs in with the rest and hoped for the best,"
the minister laughed.
Manuel explained that in looking for a DG they needed somebody who
could understand how much money was needed, at what rate to borrow
it and how to allocate it.
He said his department had looked for a person who could manage the
nine provinces and the 284 municipalities, and at the same time
produce a good budget.
"The person also had to build and maintain relationships with the
world beyond our borders, with the G20 nations, the Southern
African Development Community and other influential bodies.
In the private sector you may have people who can do fantastic
financial magic but may not be able to manage people.
"The DG has to be able to complete the whole process," Manuel
said.
Apart from being appointed the new DG of finance, Kganyago has also
been appointed as South Africa's alternate governor to the board of
governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well the
World Bank and the African Development Bank.
Kganyago first joined the Treasury in 1996 as the director of
international commercial financing, moving on two years later to
become the chief director of liability management.
He received a B.Comm from the University of SA during 1991 and a
Masters degree in economics from London University during
1994.
He has been the recipient of various awards, including the British
Council-Helen Suzman Leadership Award in 1993 and the International
Financing Review Award (Eurobond Deal of the Year) in 1999.
Along with him, three other new appointments were made to the
Treasury.
Phakamani Hadebe was appointed deputy director general: assets and
liability management, and Freeman Nomvalo took up the reins as
deputy director general for the office of accountant general.
"Its Freeman's job to develop and accounting policy and close the
government books in readiness for the Auditor General," Manuel
said.
The final appointee, Logan Wart, is the chief operating officer and
will be charged with ensuring the implementation of the national
Treasury's strategic plan and policy priorities, and advising the
DG on strategic issues and business processes.
On matters concerning himself, Manuel, discussed but did not
dismiss rumours that he would not be available to serve another
term as finance minister.
"I have indicated previously that the position of minister of
finance is not a lifetime appointment. I serve the president but
that does not mean he discusses everything with me.
"He had not told me the date for the election and he had not told
me who will be in the new Cabinet," Manuel smiled. – Sapa.
Map
