LEBOWAKGOMO - Disclosures regarding inferior management structures, as well as a lack of proper accountability, have come to light during a public hearing in Lebowakgomo on the affairs of the provincial Department of Transport.

Members of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) expressed concern about the fact that there had been inexplicable delays with the appointment of senior management staff. This shortage of proper management structures has persisted for more than a year.

The fact that the department's Deputy Director-General has been prevented from appointing staff members is seen as a major drawback. Transport MEC Farisani is to be called to account for this situation before the committee.

Opposition members of the standing committee have expressed amazement at the fact that application forms in the MEC's office have received no attention for months. They have attributed this situation directly to inefficiency and gross neglect by the MEC, and have demanded a full public explanation from him.

Democratic Alliance provincial leader Michael Holford this week called on the MEC to either "shape up" or "ship out", as it was time for urgent action to address the issue.