AG report on provincial audit highlights ANC incompetence and mismanagement in Mpumalanga
The latest report by the Auditor-General (AG), Ms Tsakani Maluleke, on the state of Mpumalanga’s PFMA 2023/24 audit outcomes highlights the lack of skills, financial discipline, accountability and stable, ethical leadership.
The FF Plus in Mpumalanga demands that the failure to conduct timely investigations to improve audit reports should urgently be explored and addressed. There should be serious consequences for wrongful conduct.
“An urgent motion requesting the aforementioned was submitted earlier this week to the Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Ms Lindi Lettie Masina,” said Werner Weber, FF Plus MPL: Mpumalanga to the Bulletin
Non-compliance with laws and regulations remains high, especially in supply chain management, which leads to exorbitant levels of irregular expenditure.
This results in price hikes and incorrect allocations to suppliers giving rise to unfair and uncompetitive procurement processes. It is mainly caused by the negligence of management processes in the supply chain due to irregular deviations.
Irregular expenditure increased to R11,07 billion from last year’s R10,36 billion. Financial heads take no responsibility for outstanding documents needed for audits.
The five departments which contributed 91% of the R9,05 billion in irregular expenditure are Health, Education, the Office of the Premier, Social Development and Sport.
Department heads rely too heavily on the audit process to rectify financial statements. In addition, the large number of vacancies – including financial heads – in financial units is alarming. Half (eight) of the audited units did not have financial heads during the financial year.
Poor management and oversight processes for implementing and monitoring plans of action should urgently be addressed. Control measures for revising annual financial statements and performance reports should also be implemented.
The FF Plus will put increasing pressure on the new Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, to take action and execute the above recommendations to save the province from its downward financial spiral
