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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu has assured the people of KwaZulu-Natal that accountability and transparency will be the hallmark of government during this term of office. He was speaking today after a meeting with the Office of the Auditor General.

Mchunu pointed out: “I undertake to strengthen relations with chapter nine institutions such as the Human Rights Commission, Public Protector and the Auditor General to ensure good governance, accountability and transparency in all spheres of government.”

He further asked: “The question that needs to be asked is - what is expected of today’s civil servants and elected leaders serving under a democratic government?”

“During the dark days of apartheid public service was characterised by a poor quality of service, inefficiencies, lack of commitment and no respect for citizens.”

“Accountability to the public was non-existent. Importantly, the debate on corruption was suppressed because those at the helm of the corrupt apartheid system used the public resources not only for self-enrichment but to crush those who were regarded as a threat.”

“There was neither a will on the part of the apartheid government to deal with this scourge nor there were any resources allocated to eradicate corruption and maladministration in the public service.”

“This government is clearly different from the apartheid regime. Transparency and accountability is at the core of good governance and it is for this reason that issues of good governance are on top of the agenda.”

Issued by KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier