FOR the past thirty years, we have heard of well-connected individuals, government ministers, various government departments, and public officials being involved in significant material irregularities, including fraud, theft, and irregular expenditure.
It has been alleged that many billions of rands have either gone missing or been wasted, with little to no accountability in the past. Now, South Africa finds itself in a situation where the government is struggling to meet its obligations, and all departments of state-owned enterprises have been asked to, firstly, “tighten their belts” and, secondly, close any loopholes that could or would lead to fraud and theft.
Under the Government of National Unity, a new energy has emerged to enhance accountability, address irregular expenditure, and ensure compliance with the Public Finance Management Act.
Enter the Auditor-General of…
