Lesufi's consistency trap

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi is right to call out selective outrage in his defence of the new MEC for finance, but the public has a right to demand clarity on the qualifications of officials.

- Mandla Mthembu

Unlike the infamous Des van Rooyen, remembered as South Africa’s “weekend special” after his four-day stint as finance minister in December 2015, Nkululeko Dunga has at least survived the Easter long weekend as Gauteng’s new MEC for finance.

His appointment, announced during premier Panyaza Lesufi's Cabinet reshuffle last week, has already stirred outrage and controversy.

Almost immediately, questions piled up. Does Dunga have the qualifications? Why appoint someone who was previously removed as Ekurhuleni’s MMC for finance? Can he be trusted to manage Gauteng’s finances responsibly?

Lesufi hit back. He accused the public of inconsistency, saying when certain ministers in the government of national unity (GNU) were appointed to portfolios such as agriculture or public works, no-one seemed to care if they were qualified. Why, he asked, the double-standards now?

On the surface, Lesufi has a point. Accountability should be applied evenly. If South Africans are serious about demanding competence, then every appointment - whether in Gauteng or nationally - deserves the same tough questions.