The Gauteng provincial government paid out R612-million in legal settlements last year, the Democratic Alliance said on Monday.
“It’s an indication of poor governance that is costing the taxpayer dearly,” said Democratic Alliance Gauteng caucus leader Jack Bloom.
According to information provided by the premier’s office at a meeting on Friday of the Gauteng legislature’s oversight committee, Gauteng departments faced 450 legal claims last year.
They lost 48 cases in court, won 39 and settled 71. Around 300 cases were still pending.
The Gauteng finance department paid R279-million for the termination of the Sibize call centre, and R1.5-million in a settlement involving Standard Bank. The call centre had handled bookings for driver’s licences.
Roads and transport paid out R183-million, and infrastructure development paid R120-million. The health department lost 10 medical negligence cases in court, and had to pay R16.9-million.
Comment from the premier’s office was not immediately available. — Sapa