KZN Finance MEC Francois Rodgers enforces strict cost-cutting measures to civil servants, finance your own Christmas parties

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has issued strict new measures to curb government spending on non-essential activities, aiming to redirect funds toward service delivery. These cost-cutting directives, which took effect on November 1, target lavish expenditures such as year-end parties, international travel, and unnecessary workshops.

Government employees will now have to fund their own Christmas parties and year-end functions. Similarly, team-building events and external workshops are banned unless held in government facilities.

Other cost-saving measures include:

• Travel: Overseas trips require cabinet approval and smaller delegations. Officials traveling within the province must share vehicles where possible, with mileage capped at 1,750 km per month.

• Hiring: Only critical positions can be filled, subject to approval by the premier and finance MEC.

• Performance Bonuses: These are off the table, along with converting unused leave into pay.

• Payroll Cleanup: Departments must eliminate ghost employees and redundant cost centers from their payroll systems.

  
  

Rodgers has also tightened rules on procurement. Office furniture must meet standardized pricing, while documents like annual reports will no longer be printed with costly embellishments. Ministers must procure vehicles centrally, with a temporary cap on monthly rentals set at R70,000.

Carol Coetzee, head of the provincial treasury, emphasized that the goal is to cut "nice-to-haves" and focus resources on essential services. Non-compliance with these rules will lead to accountability measures, ensuring taxpayer funds are spent responsibly.