We have developed the systems and procedures which will allow us to monitor expenditure on a continuous basis. The Legislature will also play its oversight role in this regard. I know that I can look forward to the active support of all of my colleagues in the Executive, led by the Premier, in this effort to keep within our budget limits. I know also that I can look forward to the support of this House. I am also counting on the support of the accounting officers who will be directly responsible for ensuring that funds are spent as per the budget.
Government is after all a collective effort.
The achievement of our fiscal targets will be a credit to the entire provincial government, and will stand us in good stead for many years to come. I would also like to stress that it is very important for South Africa as a whole that Gauteng continues to set a good example on financial matters. However, this House should rest assured that fiscal stringency will not last forever. If South Africa is able to achieve the sort of growth rates envisaged by GEAR, then within two or three years there will be sufficient funds to address our social imperatives. Oversight over the finances of local government I would like to announce to this House that as from April 1998 the province will take over from national government the responsibility for oversight of the budgets of local authorities in Gauteng.