The Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal has proudly announced that it has received a clean audit for the 2023/2024 financial year, 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.
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
- No emphasis of matter
This stellar 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.
Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli expressed his satisfaction with the audit outcome, commending the dedication and diligence of the entire team. "This clean audit is a testament to our unwavering commitment to good governance, accountability, and the responsible management of public resources," said Premier Ntuli. He further emphasised that 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.
Director General Dr. Nonhlanhla Mkhize, who has been at the forefront of implementing robust financial controls within the office, credited 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," Dr. Mkhize remarked.
The clean audit is particularly significant as it underscores the Premier's 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.
In line with Premier Ntuli’s vision, 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.
As the Office of the Premier looks forward to the future, the clean audit serves as both a milestone and a motivation to sustain and build upon the gains made in financial management. The Premier reaffirmed the office's commitment to maintaining these high standards and ensuring that every rand spent is accounted for, ultimately contributing to the betterment of KwaZulu-Natal and its people.