Use of consultants cost Dept of Labour R23m

The use of consultants cost the Department of Labour over R23-million in the last financial year, the department said on Thursday.

According to the department’s own documentation, it spent R23 601 014,40 on nine different contracted experts, including auditors and trainers, during the last financial year.

Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana said it was difficult to accept the use of consultants, even though his department had continually lost highly qualified officials to other sectors.

“Until someone convinces me that it is really unavoidable, I find it difficult to accept the use of consultants. I strongly feel our officials have developed a propensity to use contractors,” he said.

Mdladlana said the hiring of consultants had to be accompanied by the transfer of skills as well as mentoring.—Sapa