By Phenyo Selinda
Durban — KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has commended the Office of the Premier for its dedication and diligence in securing a clean audit outcome for the 2023/24 financial year. This accomplishment marks the second consecutive year that the Office of the Premier has received such an accolade, underscoring its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public resources.
The announcement comes on the heels of the Auditor-General’s report, which confirmed the clean audit status. This status is a significant testament to the office’s adherence to sound financial practices, with no instances of unauthorised expenditure, irregular expenditure, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, or material irregularities being reported.
A Triumph of Financial Discipline
Premier Ntuli highlighted the importance of this achievement, noting that the clean audit reflects the province’s ongoing efforts to maintain the highest levels of integrity and efficiency across all departments. “This clean audit is a testament to our unwavering commitment to good governance and the responsible management of public resources,” Ntuli said. “It also sets a benchmark for other provincial departments and entities, reinforcing the importance of financial discipline and accountability in the public sector.”
The 2023/24 audit outcome is particularly noteworthy as it includes a clean audit opinion, which signifies that the Office of the Premier has not only complied with all statutory requirements but has also demonstrated prudent financial planning and execution. This accomplishment has been achieved through meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of financial management, including procurement processes, expenditure control, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Leadership and Team Effort
Director-General at the KZN Office of the Premier, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, who has been instrumental in implementing robust financial controls within the office, attributed the success to 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,” Dr Mkhize said. “This clean audit assures the public that we are using their resources effectively and for the intended purposes.”
Dr Mkhize also emphasized that the clean audit outcome is not merely a technical success but a moral victory that speaks to the office’s commitment to serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal with integrity and accountability. She noted that this achievement should inspire confidence among the public and serve as a model for other government departments to follow.
Impact on Service Delivery
Premier Ntuli pointed out that the clean audit has broader implications for service delivery across the province. By setting a high standard in financial management, the Office of the Premier is helping to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively, ultimately leading to better service delivery for the people of KwaZulu-Natal. “The audit result reflects our ongoing efforts to ensure that all departments operate with the highest levels of integrity and efficiency,” Ntuli said. “This achievement is expected to enhance public confidence in the administration and inspire further efforts to improve service delivery across the province.”
The Premier also highlighted that this success is part of a broader strategy to strengthen governance structures within the province. By prioritising good governance and financial discipline, the Office of the Premier is playing a crucial role in building a government that is not only transparent and accountable but also responsive to the needs of its citizens.
Setting a Benchmark for Other Departments
The clean audit sets a benchmark for other provincial departments and entities, reinforcing the importance of financial discipline and accountability in the public sector. Premier Ntuli expressed his hope that other departments would follow suit and strive to achieve similar levels of financial integrity. “Our goal is to ensure that every department in KwaZulu-Natal adheres to the highest standards of governance and financial management,” he said. “By doing so, we can build a government that is truly accountable to the people it serves.”
The Premier’s commitment to good governance is further reflected in his administration’s focus on continuous improvement and capacity building within the provincial government. Ntuli has emphasized the need for ongoing training and development for government officials to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain high standards of financial management.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the significant achievement, Premier Ntuli acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that all provincial departments can replicate the success of the Office of the Premier. He noted that ongoing efforts are needed to address areas of weakness and to build capacity within departments that have struggled with financial management in the past.
However, Ntuli expressed confidence that with continued commitment and collaboration, these challenges can be overcome. “We are not complacent,” he said. “We know that there is still work to be done, but we are committed to building a provincial government that is resilient, responsive, and capable of meeting the needs of all our citizens.”
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