Staff Reporter
The national lockdown imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic saved the Free State government at least R50 million that the province would have spent on events and associated costs such as catering, travel and entertainment.
This was revealed by Finance MEC Gadija Brown as she delivered her 2021 provincial budget speech on Tuesday.
She said the Free State remained resolute that fiscal prudence and discipline were key in unlocking the much-needed efficiency savings in the province.
“In support of fiscal prudence, the province continues to implement the provincial cost containment measures which are monitored by the Provincial Treasury every quarter,” Brown said.
“This past year has also taught us that we need to approach things differently,” she added.
“The provincial government during the different stages of the national lockdown has managed to realise efficiency savings of R50 million from non-core items such as catering, entertainment, venues and facilities, travelling, flights and accommodation.
“We have worked hard to mobilise every cent available and this exercise enables us to continue to respond positively to the challenges posed by COVID-19 as well as to continue to leverage on innovation through ICT.”
After President Cyril Ramaphosa placed the country under a lockdown that put economic activities on hold and restricted travel and public gatherings in March last year, the Free State government had to either cancel or postpone several events that had been lined up.
The provincial government has also resorted to holding key events, such as the opening of the Legislature last week, via virtual platforms, in the process saving thousands of rands.
Looking ahead, Brown called on all provincial government departments and enterprises to continue making savings.
“In the new financial year 2021/22, all provincial departments and entities are urged to focus on the identification of additional savings from institutional reforms ahead of the introduction of zero-based budgeting which the National Treasury is currently piloting,” she said.