KZN unveils rescue plan as finance MEC warns of ‘very bad’ fiscal crisis

KwaZulu-Natal’s finances are under strain due to billions in unpaid supplier debt, years of budget cuts by the National Treasury, and growing pressure to fix basic services.

Now the province says it has a financial recovery plan and it's putting that plan to the test this week.

KZN Finance MEC Francois Rodgers is in Gauteng on what he’s calling a media accountability tour.

The idea is simple: face the country’s biggest newsrooms, answer tough questions, and convince South Africans that KZN can rebuild confidence in its finances.

It comes just days after the launch of the new Provincial Financial Recovery Plan that promises to save the province at least R1.5 billion every year, cut waste, clean up procurement, and bring discipline to provincial spending.

Rodgers admits that when he took over as MEC, he didn't expect the situation to be as bad as it is, having previously served on opposition benches on the finance portfolio committee.

"Being in opposition is a lot easier than being in government! It's so easy to criticise, but when you take the reins, it's very difficult to bring about change."

The problem, says Rodgers, is money, or the lack thereof. 

"We've got to focus on service delivery, even though we're going through critical fiscal constraints. Literally every rand has to become focused on making a difference in the lives of our people.

"It's very bad," admits Rodgers.

To listen to Rogers, click below: