NELSPRUIT – The Department of Finance received a clean audit opinion from the Auditor General (AG) on its performance for the 2012/13 financial year. Yet, Ms Nombedesho Nkamba, head of the department, said that control systems to curb incidents of fraud in the province needed to be strengthened.
Mr Madala Masuku, the MEC for finance, said the achievement provided the department with the opportunity to help other departments also achieve the financial target of clean audits by 2014. It is the fourth consecutive clean audit in as many years for the department.
“We have a lot to be proud of as the administration. Many of our departments are turning the situation around with regard to the audit outcomes,” he said. “The department has attained the clean audit. The Provincial Revenue Fund has also consistently received clean audit opinions from the AG, which confirms the strength of the overall financial administration of the province.”
The AG gives a clean audit opinion when information on predetermined objectives and financial statements of a department are fairly presented, show compliance with relevant legislation and regulations and there is adequate disclosure of all relevant material matters.
According to Masuku, the department aims to enhance the preparation of a provincial budget centred on people and inclined towards service delivery. It also aims to improve supply chain management systems and ensure outcome oriented support services.
Nkamba added, “The department continues to facilitate capacity building initiatives targeting officials from all departments and public entities to improve management and compliance on various financial legislation and regulations and budgeting and accounting for financial resources.”
