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19 June 2008

As you are aware the Honourable Premier of the Eastern Cape, Nosimo Balindlela, appointed a Commission of Inquiry into the finances of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration, chaired by Mr Judge Pillay. The other members of the Commission were Mzimtsha Nkonki and Noluyolo Nonkwelo. Subsequently Dr. JG Grogan replaced Mzimtsha Nkonki.

The terms of reference of the commission, which were published in Provincial Gazette no 1440, were detailed and wide ranging. In essence, the commission was required to enquire into, and to make findings and recommendations, in respect of all aspects of provincial departments and the functioning of government departments in the province, including inefficiencies, irregularities and any impropriety.

The task of the commission, in view of the terms of reference, was demanding and the commission reported in a series of volumes which were furnished to the Premier. Contrary to perceptions in some quarters, the most recent part of the report was received by the Premier's office as recently as 12 June 2008. The Premier wishes to take this opportunity to express publicly her gratitude to the chairperson and members of the commission for the manner in which the commission undertook its complex work and for the thoroughness of its findings and recommendations. This is in the best traditions of public service and accountability under our Constitution.

The Premier is pleased to report that the findings and recommendations of the commission were unanimous. The executive summary has been officially handed over to the Speaker today with all the volumes to follow by end of business on Friday, 20 June 2008. The report of the commission, including the executive summary and volumes, will be available on the provincial government's website (http://www.ecprov.gov.za) after due consideration by the Speaker of the Provincial Legislature.

The Premier believes that it is proper to point out that one aspect of the report is in draft format and thus not yet finalised. The commission has indicated that it may not at this stage be publicly disclosed. The Premier will, of course, respect the commission's directions and intends writing to the Chairperson of the commission for further clarity and directions in this regard.
The findings and recommendations of the Commission speak for themselves, and the Premier and the provincial government has already taken steps to implement directly and indirectly the commission's recommendations. Details in this regard will be availed in due course.

I thank you.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
19 June 2008
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za/)