Departments bucked by their clean audits
THREE national government departments are celebrating after receiving clean audits from the auditor-general.
The Departments of Sports and Recreation, Science and Technology, as well as Social Development, were given awards during a low-key event in Lynnwood, Pretoria, yesterday.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Human Sciences Research Council were also among the institutions honoured for having clean audits for three years in a row.
“My common complaint is that we are always complaining. It is very rare for us as South Africans to celebrate our achievements,” said Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor.
“Our purpose is to work for the public interest.
“We are not here to work for our friends.
“If we do the right thing with public finances, we are doing well for the entire nation.
“If we do the wrong thing, we deny someone a chance to better their lives,” she said.
Pandor urged the office of the auditor-general to do what it had to do should questionable activities be found to be happening where public resources were involved.
“Taking into account the current economic climate, the department is aware of the need to maintain the highest standards of corporate governance, which is fundamental to the management of public finances and resources.
“We also continue striving to find innovative ways to optimise the use of available resources.”
Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula was pleased about having had a clean audit for the second year in a row. “I am filled with joy because I am part of a bunch of winners. I was here last year and it is a good feeling to be part of the winning team,” he said.
Mbalula said his department was very small and had a limited budget and resources, and staff had to work twice as hard to get work done.
“A clean audit is not child’s play. Other departments can look at us and be inspired,” Mbalula said.
He and his department were committed to sorting out Boxing SA and having drug-free sports in South Africa.