KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has commended the team in the Office of the Premier - for its dedication and diligence in obtaining clean audit outcomes for the 2023/24 financial year.
The Auditor-General has awarded the Office of the Premier a clean audit for the 2023/2024 audit cycle, marking a significant achievement in governance and financial management.
“This accomplishment, confirmed by the Auditor-General's report, highlights the office's adherence to sound financial practices and unwavering commitment to transparency,” Ntuli said.
The 2023/24 audit outcome is particularly noteworthy as it comes with a clean audit opinion, which includes no unauthorised expenditure, no irregular expenditure, no fruitless and wasteful expenditure, no material irregularities, and no emphasis of matter.
Ntuli said the audit outcome, achieved for the second consecutive year, following the clean audit in 2022/23, underscores the consistent and disciplined approach to financial management within the Office of the Premier.
"This clean audit is a testament to our unwavering commitment to good governance, accountability, and the responsible management of public resources. The audit result reflects the province’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all departments operate with the highest levels of integrity and efficiency.
“The audit covered all aspects of the office's financial management, including procurement processes, expenditure control, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The Auditor-General’s findings confirmed that the Office of the Premier had not only complied with all statutory requirements but also demonstrated prudent financial planning and execution,” Ntuli said.
The Premier added that the clean audit was particularly significant as it underscored his commitment to building a government that is transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering services efficiently to the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
It also sets a benchmark for other provincial departments and entities, reinforcing the importance of financial discipline and accountability in the public sector.
“The Office of the Premier continues to prioritise good governance as a cornerstone of its operations. This achievement is expected to enhance public confidence in the administration and inspire further efforts to improve service delivery across the province,” Ntuli said.
Director-General at KZN Office of the Premier, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, who has been at the forefront of implementing robust financial controls within the office, attributed the success to the strong leadership and the dedicated efforts of the finance and management teams.
"Achieving a clean audit requires a collaborative effort, and I am incredibly proud of the team for maintaining the highest standards of financial management. This clean audit assures the public that we are using their resources effectively and for the intended purposes," Mkhize said. – SAnews.gov.za
