In a candid address, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson confirmed that the department will submit its 2023/2024 audit results to Parliament by October 30, following significant delays attributed to two of its key subsidiaries: the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) and the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
This comes after the department missed the legally mandated deadline of September 30 for submitting audit results.
On Wednesday, Macpherson expressed regret over the situation, saying that the audit delays have hindered the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He stated, "My view is that the delay in submitting the audit statements to Parliament is completely unacceptable and could have been avoided had both subsidiaries been in a position to produce interim results. This would have empowered the Auditor General to highlight any issues ahead of time."
In light of recent audit delays, the Department of Public Works has vowed to enhance transparency and accountability with new reforms after Macpherson announced enhanced plans to secure sound financial practices and restore confidence in public administration.
The minister emphasised that both the PMTE and IDT are responsible for considerable portions of the department's financial activities, thus necessitating their compliance with the audit timeline. He acknowledged that failing to include their results would misrepresent the department’s overall financial standing.
As the department gears up for the upcoming submission, Macpherson admitted that the forthcoming audit report is likely to reveal a concerning culture of weak internal financial controls, problematic tender processes, and insufficient oversight. He, however, assured that reforms are underway to rectify these issues and foster a culture of financial accountability.
To this end, new initiatives aimed at reforming accounting practices are being implemented. "We are strengthening our collaboration with the Auditor General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke, to ensure more regular evaluations of the department’s financial statements," he stated. This partnership will play a critical role in monitoring progress and enhancing financial oversight moving forward.
Moreover, Macpherson highlighted specific measures being taken to minimise the risk of misuse of public funds. These include revoking the authority for officials to spend up to R20 million without prior approval from an accounting officer and initiating a skills audit at the Senior Management Service level. These steps are crucial to ensure that the department is staffed with personnel who possess the requisite expertise.
In correspondence with the National Assembly Speaker and National Council of Provinces Chairperson, Macpherson elaborated on the causes of the delays and the urgent actions being taken to prevent a recurrence. "We are working tirelessly to adhere to the legislated imperatives of transparency and oversight," he asserted.
The minister acknowledged Parliament’s essential role in reinforcing the foundation of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. He believes that a collaborative approach will ultimately contribute to the noble goal of "Building South Africa," steering the department towards a more efficient and accountable future.
Saturday Star