A report by South Africa’s AuditorGeneral has uncovered significant monetary discrepancies at both provincial and national government levels, in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Material irregularities (MIs), including any breach of legislation, fraudulent activities, theft, or a violation of fiduciary obligations, were identified during an audit conducted under the Public Audit Act. Detecting and taking action against MIs fosters responsibility, safeguards resources, and promotes an ethical culture, fortifying public sector entities to more effectively serve South African citizens. The committee emphasized the importance of prevention over rectification and quick action over hesitation in safeguarding the integrity of public finances.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen accountability and transparency surrounding public financial management. The MoU allows SCOPA to refer urgent matters to the SIU, ensuring effective financial oversight and preventing corruption of state resources. This partnership marks a significant stride in the battle against corruption and financial mismanagement, restoring trust in democratic institutions and committing to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
The North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) is scheduled to hold a series of virtual Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) public hearings. These hearings aim to scrutinize the 2021/22 audit reports of various key organizations. The primary objective is to provide a platform for indepth discussions and gather essential insights into the responses to questions arising from the Auditor General’s reports.