Scopa’s new approach helps achieve more clean audits in KZN
THE chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) in Kwazulu-natal Maggie Govender says increased interactions with various departments had helped achieve more clean audits.
There were seven clean audits which included the Office of the Premier, Department of Environmental Affairs, Treasury and the Economic Development Department.
Govender said Scopa used to meet with the departments just once a year after the release of the Auditor-general’s reports.
“But we decided that it was insufficient, we needed constant interaction with government departments on the areas that the auditor-general had identified as weaknesses resulting in a qualification. Changing our ways have proven to be successful.”
Following up on various issues had also yielded success, she said.
Govender added that they have had to look closely at the signing of performance agreements, 99.9% of which were signed by senior management.
Moreover, she said, consequence management and ensuring accountability had also helped to improve financial performance.
“We have also looked at the investigation of irregular, wasteful and fruitless expenditure, supply management, signing of performance agreements and consequence management.
“The good relationship that we have with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has yielded results. We also initiated a system where we get briefings from the SIU,” said Govender.
More can be done to achieve 100% clean audits, she said, and encouraged public stakeholders to attend Scopa meetings. “We also invite stakeholders from society which are the Human Rights Commission and Gender Equality Commission to make sure that the interests of the public are protected,” she said.