Irregular expenditure stands at R3.67 billion, according to a recent report released by the Auditor-General, Kimi Makwetu. This staggering amount has raised serious concerns and calls for immediate action from government officials. In a statement, the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), Mkhuleko Hlengwa, echoed the sentiments of the Auditor-General, stating that urgent and decisive action is needed to address this issue.
The report revealed that irregular expenditure has increased by R1.2 billion from the previous financial year, bringing the total to a staggering R3.67 billion. This is a cause for great concern as it reflects a lack of proper financial management and accountability within government departments. The Auditor-General also highlighted that this amount could have been used to fund much-needed service delivery projects, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
In light of this report, the Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, has called for all government departments to take immediate action to address the issue of irregular expenditure. He emphasized that this is a serious matter that requires urgent attention and that those responsible for the mismanagement of funds will be held accountable.
The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Dr. Makhosi Khoza, has also expressed her concern over the high levels of irregular expenditure. She stated that this is a clear indication of a lack of consequence management within government departments. Dr. Khoza stressed the need for decisive action to be taken to hold those responsible accountable and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In response to the report, the Director-General of the National Treasury, Dondo Mogajane, has assured the public that measures are being put in place to address the issue of irregular expenditure. He stated that the National Treasury is working closely with government departments to identify the root causes of the problem and to implement corrective measures.
The Auditor-General has also called for a more proactive approach in addressing irregular expenditure. He emphasized the need for government departments to improve their internal controls and to ensure that all financial transactions are in line with the Public Finance Management Act. This will not only prevent irregular expenditure but also promote good governance and accountability within government departments.
The issue of irregular expenditure is not a new one and has been a cause for concern for many years. However, the recent increase in the amount has highlighted the urgency of the matter. It is imperative that government officials take this matter seriously and work towards finding a lasting solution.
The consequences of irregular expenditure are far-reaching and affect the lives of ordinary citizens. It hinders the delivery of essential services and undermines the trust of the public in the government’s ability to manage public funds. It is, therefore, the responsibility of every government official to ensure that public funds are used for their intended purpose and that there is no room for mismanagement or corruption.
In conclusion, the report released by the Auditor-General is a wake-up call for the government to take decisive action in addressing the issue of irregular expenditure. It is time for government officials to be held accountable for their actions and for proper consequence management to be implemented. The public has the right to know that their hard-earned tax money is being used for the betterment of the country and its citizens. Let us work together to ensure that irregular expenditure becomes a thing of the past and that our government operates with transparency and accountability.
