The rebranded Project Kgala succeeds South Africa’s Project Thusano, which incurred R1.7 billion in irregular expenditure. The Department of Defence and Military Veterans aims for a more cost-effective approach in training SANDF personnel in Cuba, while previous deficiencies related to financial oversight are being addressed. Despite assurances of improvement, critics remain skeptical about the project’s effectiveness.
South Africa’s skills transfer initiative, previously known as Project Thusano, has been renamed Project Kgala despite rigorous scrutiny from the Auditor-General (AG). This initiative, involving professional training services with Cuba, saw an accumulation of about R1.7 billion in irregular expenditure and was officially restructured in January 2023.
The original contract of Project Thusano, which commenced in January 2012, has officially concluded. The Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DoD) offered a detailed presentation regarding the updated framework of Project Kgala to the relevant Portfolio Committee.
Project Thusano’s objective was to provide transport and medical training to South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel in Cuba. According to DoD officials, Project Kgala aims to build upon the relationships forged during the previous project, emphasizing a historical imperative to maintain this collaboration.
Underlining the projected outcomes, the DoD noted that Project Kgala intends to enhance the skills of the SANDF for self-sustainability through innovative professional development. The financial commitment for the revamped project is R537 million over five years, significantly lower than the R3 billion spent over the previous decade.
The AG’s recent report reiterated the concerning R1.7 billion figure in irregular expenditure, highlighting deficiencies in the DoD’s preliminary cost-benefit analyses and overall record-keeping practices. DoD officials assured the committee that remedial measures have been implemented to reduce fees and streamline administrative processes.
A significant portion of the irregular expenditure stemmed from vocational training expenses, which will now qualify as foreign learning opportunities. The DoD confirmed that this contract with Cuba pertains exclusively to technical services for the SANDF.
The AG report indicated various issues, including inadequate oversight of vehicle maintenance and the high costs associated with medical students sent to Cuba. Of the 108 medical students dispatched to Cuba, financial expenditure exceeded by 136% compared to local education costs, and only a few successfully integrated upon returning to South Africa.
Critics like Carl Niehaus from the EFF have urged the DoD to provide thorough assessments of needs and costs, while emphasizing compliance with the Public Finance Management Act. The DA’s Christiaan Hattingh expressed skepticism over the value derived from the rebranding, arguing that replacing the name does not change the project’s underlying issues.
In summary, South Africa’s Project Thusano has been restructured into Project Kgala amidst serious concerns over irregular expenditures totaling R1.7 billion. The focus remains on enhancing military training through collaboration with Cuba, yet critics question the effectiveness and transparency of these initiatives. The DoD has assured rectifications to prior management issues; however, the credibility of the new project’s objectives remains under scrutiny.
Original Source: www.citizen.co.za
