The FW de Klerk Foundation urges Parliament to act to ensure that public funds are used efficiently, economically, effectively, and transparently. The Foundation is concerned about the repair and maintenance project at Tshwane’s 1 Military Hospital. More than R1 billion has been spent, yet the project remains incomplete. Government is now considering a new facility.

“This situation demands firm parliamentary oversight,” said Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation. “Such circumstances raise serious doubts about whether the public expenditure has met the constitutional standards.”

“Parliament has a clear constitutional duty to scrutinise and oversee executive action. It must ensure that public resources are used in a manner that is efficient, economic, effective, accountable and transparent,” adds Daniela Ellerbeck, an attorney and the manager of the FW de Klerk Foundations Constitutional Rights Programme. “This duty is critical when significant funds fail to produce tangible results.”

“The Foundation urges Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence to summon the relevant Ministers, senior officials and accounting authorities from the Department of Defence and Military Veterans and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to account fully for the project and to produce all relevant documentation,” comments Van der Rheede.

“The public deserves a clear and complete report. This report must set out total spending, work completed, reasons for delays, and the basis for considering a new build,” says Ellerbeck.

In addition, the Committee is urged to subject the incurred expenditure to rigorous scrutiny. This includes an independent value-for-money assessment that compares the feasibility of completing the existing project with that of constructing a new facility. Furthermore, the Committee is urged to adopt clear and actionable recommendations for the way forward. This includes conditions for any further funding, the requirement for a credible and coordinated implementation plan with clearly defined milestones, and measures to address shortcomings in collaboration between the relevant departments.

“Strong oversight will restore accountability and public trust,” Van der Rheede concluded. “Parliament is urged to act decisively.”