Gauteng should focus on green industries if it wants to grow. Government should also concentrate on spending existing funds wisely rather than seeking new revenue, according to Gauteng’s new Finance MEC.

Gauteng’s economy and government should embrace green technology, according to Jacob Mamabolo, Gauteng’s new MEC for Finance. He addressed CIBA’s Public Procurement Summit 2022 on Thursday and outlined ideas for the province and views on fiscal prudence.

Mamabolo believes that public procurement should focus on green solutions. The MEC pointed out that the world is fast moving towards greener technologies. With Gauteng’s abundance of sunlight, the province has a competitive advantage.

“Just as in 1884 we were spoiled with gold, we’re spoiled with the sun,” said Mamabolo. He noted that while gold in the late 1800s generated the province’s wealth, that period is over. Gold is not coming back, and it’s left a lot of environmental damage, noted Mamabolo.“We don’t have to look down like those who are digging, we can look up at the sky.”

“I think procurement needs to look at smart green solutions,” said Mamabolo. He noted that in line with climate agreements to which South Africa is a signatory, the world wants to reduce emissions in the coming decades, and South Africa can’t be left behind. “If we don’t move, we will be too late to catch up.”

Mamabolo also noted that the province has a sizeable automotive industry. Globally this industry is increasingly moving towards newer and greener technologies

The MEC spoke to the conference about the need for fiscal prudence. “People talk about more money and the need for money. I want to talk about how to use the little that we have more effectively.”

“My view is we shouldn’t be asking for more money if we can’t demonstrate how we’re efficiently and effectively using the money we have.”

Mamabolo was appointed as finance MEC last month. He has previously served in the provincial government as MEC for various departments.