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Dear Editor Today, the ANC once again showed that it has a complete disregard for the rules of Parliament and due process. The NCOP was supposed to have debated on the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill today, but after allegedly receiving a mysterious letter, the ANC Chief Whip, together with its majority, quickly decided to …
For small farmers, keeping production costs as low as possible isn’t just a financial strategy, it’s a survival tactic. With profit margins that are often as narrow as a furrow, every Rand conserved is a victory won – so innovations that save time and money are a massive plus. Husqvarna is passionate about land care …
Stock up on the greatest gaming gadgets this Black Friday Gaming has come a long way since the pixelated days of Ridge Racer and Tekken 1. Today, gaming is a dynamic and immersive world where accessories play a crucial role in making releases like The Last of Us, cult classics. With November being International Games …
Delay in delivery of infrastructure projects affects service delivery
The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) Tsakani Maluleke says all too often infrastructure delivery projects which have been delayed, are costing more than what was initially planned or are of poor quality.
In the 2022-23 financial year, the AGSA audited 137 infrastructure projects, focusing on critical infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, housing, roads and railways, water infrastructure, and government buildings such as police stations.
“Our audit work incorporated numerous site visits by our multi-disciplinary audit teams, who applied their expertise to inspect project progress and quality. We reported findings on 112 (82%) of the projects that we visited. There are also delays in newly built infrastructure,” Maluleke said.
She said when auditees, especially high-impact auditees, do not properly manage their performance, finances and infrastructure; it directly affects the delivery of key government programmes that are intended to improve the lives of South Africans and to alleviate hardships stemming from tough economic conditions and poverty.
“Wasted money and resources means reduced funding for service delivery programmes and, eventually, a greater burden on taxpayers,” the AG said.
She made these remarks in Parliament on Wednesday, while tabling the 2022-23 general report for national and provincial departments, their entities and legislatures.
Maintenance of government properties
Maluleke noted that many government properties are in a poor condition because of the sector’s reactive approach to maintenance.
“Most maintenance work is only done in response to emergency requests and little time or budget is spent on preventative maintenance,” the AG said.
The public works sector is responsible for maintaining government properties, including health facilities, police stations and buildings that accommodate departments.
She said government officials and the public continue to use properties that are in poor condition, which lowers the effectiveness of the working environment and puts the safety of officials and the public at risk.
“There are currently 2 394 unoccupied government properties, most of which have not been maintained and are in a bad state. Even though these properties are not used, costs such as property rates and taxes still need to be paid.
“When there are not enough fit-for-use properties available to departments, the Property Management Trading Entity needs to enter into lease agreements – which could have been avoided if properties had been properly maintained,” Maluleke said.
The AG further cautioned that such lease agreements are often costly to government because of high annual increases and higher-than-average market rates being paid.
She attributed the failures in delivering, maintaining and safeguarding infrastructure to four matters that need urgent attention:
Audit outcomes of service delivery auditees and key public entities
The AG said the 193 high-impact auditees generally have poorer audit outcomes than other auditees and struggle with performance, financial and infrastructure management.
These high-impact auditees comprise departments, public entities and state-owned entities that are collectively responsible for 85% (R2.64 trillion) of the expenditure budget.
They contribute to delivering health services, skills development and employment, infrastructure development, safety and security, water and sanitation, energy, and environmental and financial sustainability.
“Auditees from this group also account for 48% of all outstanding audits and 65% of all modified audit opinions; in other words, qualified, adverse and disclaimed opinions. In total, 139 of the 193 high-impact auditees were required to report on their performance in 2022-23,” she said.
Those excluded were the 50 technical and vocational education and training colleges, the Property Management Trading Entity, Water Trading Entity and Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, whose performance is reported in the performance reports of their parent departments.
“We raised material findings on the reported performance information of 127 (42%) of these auditees, as well as material findings on compliance with key legislation at 76% of the 178 auditees with completed audits.”
Call for improvement in service delivery
The AG has called for improved service delivery enabled by capable, cooperative, accountable and responsive institutions delivering on their mandates.
“At a time of economic hardship in which the public’s demands for service delivery and accountability are increasing, there is an expectation that national and provincial government will do everything in their power to get the most value from every rand spent and to manage every aspect of their finances with diligence and care.
“This is, however, not what we have seen at some departments and public entities during our audits. Improved service delivery and the responsible use of the limited funds available will only be possible when we have capable, cooperative, accountable and responsive institutions that deliver on their mandates.”
She urged all roleplayers in the accountability ecosystem, particularly those with direct control over service delivery, to work deliberately and with urgency towards achieving a culture of accountability, transparency, integrity and improved service delivery for all South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 12:26
Minimum norms and standards set ten years ago have not been met, says Equal Education
South Africa’s technology landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with software development playing a pivotal role. The growth of software companies in this region not only marks a substantial shift in the economic and technological paradigms but also highlights South Africa’s burgeoning influence in the global tech arena. The Landscape of Software Development Companies …
In recent years, South Africa has been riding the wave of digital transformation, a pivotal shift that is redefining how businesses operate and interact with their customers. This transformation is not just about adopting new technologies but is a holistic change in how companies think, operate, and deliver value to their clients. The Role …
AG: Unauthorised expenditure remains high
The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) Tsakani Maluleke says unauthorised expenditure at departments remained high throughout the administrative term, totaling R28.22 billion over four years.
Tabling the 2022-23 general report for national and provincial departments, their entities and legislatures in Parliament on Wednesday, Maluleke said in the 2022-23 financial year, such spending amounted to R4.59 billion.
Collectively, accounting officers and authorities managed an estimated expenditure budget of R3.10 trillion in 2022-23.
“The irregular expenditure disclosed in 2022-23 totaled R63.37 billion, with high-impact auditees being responsible for R53.77 billion (85%) of this amount. These amounts might be incomplete, as auditees no longer have to include irregular expenditure incurred in prior years or the closing balance of irregular expenditure in their financial statements,” the AG said.
She said when departments overspend their budgets, they disclose this as unauthorised expenditure.
“If this type of expenditure is condoned, it means that the department needs to either find more money or absorb the overspent amount, which reduces the available budget for the following years,” Maluleke said.
Unlike departments, which must submit their budget vote to parliamentary committee hearings to be approved, public entities do not have a separate vote and thus disclose their overspending as irregular expenditure.
In 2022-23, the irregular expenditure incurred due to overspending was R0.90 billion.
High-impact auditees were responsible for R4.35 billion (79%) of the R5.49 billion total overspending across departments and public entities in 2022-23.
Material irregularity process sees recovery in financial losses
Maluleke has reported that through the material irregularity (MI) process, accounting officers and authorities have taken action to prevent or recover financial losses of R2.55 billion since 2019, with some of this amount still in the process of being recovered.
“We are pleased that the MI process is proving to be effective in enforcing accountability and protecting state resources. Departments and public entities can direct the recovered funds towards service delivery, enabling government to achieve its strategic priorities,” Maluleke said.
From 1 April 2019 - when the amendments to the Public Audit Act became effective and the AGSA began implementing the MI process - until 30 September 2023 - the cutoff date for MIs to be included in the latest general report- the audit office identified 266 MIs.
“We estimate the total financial loss of the 240 MIs that involved a material financial loss to be R14.34 billion. The 26 MIs with an impact other than financial loss involved material public resources not being used (most often health facilities), harm to the general public due to infrastructure neglect and poor-quality service delivery, and harm to public sector institutions mainly because of the non-submission of financial statements.
“We used this enforcement tool to spur accounting officers and authorities into action to strengthen internal controls, institute disciplinary measures, stem resource leakage arising from non-compliant procurement processes, recover funds lost through duplicate payments and overpayments to suppliers, safeguard assets, and improve the use of public resources such that they benefit citizens,” Maluleke said.
She said that where the MIs were not dealt with swiftly or with the required seriousness, her office included recommendations in audit reports, took remedial action or referred matters to relevant public bodies for investigation, where appropriate.
Financial management
The AG cautioned that when government is not careful with its spending practices, this reduces the already limited funds available.
“The main reasons for the continuing financial losses and waste that we observed, especially at high-impact auditees, were poor payment practices, uncompetitive and uneconomical procurement practices, limited value and benefit for money spent, poorly managed government properties and accommodation leases, and weaknesses in project management.
“Government’s budget for service delivery activities is reduced by claims made against departments, and by auditees overspending their budgets and being in poor financial health. Ailing institutions, such as the state-owned enterprises, place further pressure on government by needing bailouts and by creating potential future obligations as a result of guarantees,” Maluleke said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 12:53
Introduction In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a significant shift towards cloud computing, marking a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. This move is reshaping how businesses and services operate, with cloud architects and consultants playing a central role. The Role of Cloud Architects in South Africa Cloud architects in South Africa …
Introduction In the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing, becoming an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Advanced Consulting Partner represents a significant milestone for any organization. This status not only showcases technical prowess but also opens doors to a myriad of opportunities, especially in the realm of cloud-based solutions. This article delves into what it …
Prison security to be beefed up to avoid 'threats' this festive season
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale, on Wednesday said the department will enhance prison security to address any potential risks ahead of the festive season.
“Proactive measures will be taken to prevent the smuggling of contraband and to deter any attempts at disorder,” Thobakgale said.
The Commissioner was speaking in Durban during the official launch of the department’s National Festive Season Security Operations Plan.
“We are going into the holiday season, a time of joy, a time of celebration, and a time of togetherness for many. Yet, the festive season is also a period where the country experiences unique challenges related to elevated crime and security breaches in correctional facilities.
“Today’s launch of the DCS Festive Season Security Operations Plan is our commitment, as Correctional Services, towards safe and secure correctional centres.”
He told the attendees that the safety of correctional officials is the department’s number one priority.
However, he raised concerns about the officials who continue to live under a cloud of insecurity following several recent attacks.
“This shocking and appalling behaviour by those who try to stop law enforcement agencies from carrying out their duties will not be tolerated. An attack on law enforcement institutions is an attack on the State, and government views this in the most serious light.”
He described the correctional facilities as an essential part of the justice system, as they are tasked with the rehabilitation responsibility and safe custody of those who have transgressed the laws that govern society.
“The safety of both correctional officials and inmates is paramount,” he stressed.
According to the Commissioner, overcrowding, gang activities, contraband smuggling and violence have become pervasive.
And this, according to him, does not only jeopardise the lives of those within facilities but also communities to which offenders eventually return.
“These challenges underscore the pressing necessity to enhance security measures within correctional centres.”
Thobakgale believes that the festive season poses specific risks, including heightened emotions and increased social interactions among inmates.
“It is during these times that our collective vigilance becomes even more critical.”
He stressed that this year’s festive season plan was not only about maintaining security but about fostering an environment where both inmates and staff can experience a sense of peace and stability.
“We aim to ensure that the spirit of the season is not overshadowed by incidents that compromise the safety of our facilities.”
Interventions
To achieve this, Thobakgale said they will implement multi-faceted operations.
These include increased vigilance and traffic monitoring as holidays often result in an increased number of visitors to correctional facilities as families try to maintain ties during special occasions.
“Strict visitor screening procedures will be in place to prevent the introduction of contraband, and to ensure that only authorised individuals are allowed access.”
In addition, the department will also encourage inmates to participate in positive engagement programmes and activities as a distraction from potential conflicts, which also contribute to the rehabilitation process.
“We will strengthen our collaboration with external partners, including various law enforcement agencies and community organisations to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to security.
“Information-sharing and joint initiatives can help track and apprehend individuals attempting to orchestrate criminal activities from within correctional centres,” said Thobakgale.
He is of the view that by addressing these factors and maintaining a proactive approach to safety and security, correctional facilities will be better equipped to function with ease.
“As a result, the well-being of both staff members and inmates during the holiday season shall find resonance.”
The Commissioner also expressed his gratitude to the dedicated correctional officials who work tirelessly to maintain order and abide by the code of conduct in their daily routine.
“Your commitment to public safety is commendable and your efforts are invaluable. Working in a correctional facility is challenging, and your resoluteness must be valued at all times.”
He reminded his colleagues that their mission extends beyond the physical confines of correctional facilities.
But, according to the Commissioner, it is about fostering a safe society, with respect and dignity.
“Tightening security in our facilities is not merely a matter of institutional concern. It is a collective responsibility that impacts the safety and well-being of the entire society.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 15:26
November 2023, Johannesburg: The South Africa Israel Chamber of Commerce (SAICC) notes with alarm, the current moves within the US Senate to review South Africa’s (SA’s) eligibility for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Democratic Senator, Chris Coons is currently lobbying support for a proposed law to renew AGOA for 16 years that …
July unrest 'instigator' Mdumiseni Zuma slapped with 12-year jail sentence
The Pietermaritzburg Regional Court this week sentenced Mdumiseni Khetha Zuma to an effective 12 years imprisonment for instigating the 2021 July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the 36-year-old’s conviction comes after contravening Sections 17 and 18 of the Riotous Assemblies Act, where he incited people to gather and commit public violence.
“This was done by making an inciteful video, pertaining to the Brookside Mall, and distributing it on the WhatsApp platform. The charges relate to the incidents of looting and public violence, which occurred in July 2021 in parts of the country, especially KwaZulu-Natal.
This, according to the NPA, resulted in the Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg being looted and burnt to the ground.
According to the statement, Senior State Advocate Yuri Gangai led the evidence of video footage, audio clips and the testimony of a guard who worked at the mall.
Gangai further led the evidence of two experts who translated the audio clips.
“In aggravation of sentence, Gangai led the testimony of the manager of the mall, at the time it was burned,” said the NPA.
The manager told the court that the estimated damage caused by the looting and fire was approximately R500 million.
“He further stated that the mall serviced five different communities, as well as about 5 000 people who collected their SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grants there.
“They have all been adversely affected by the burning down of the mall,” the NPA said.
Zuma was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for count one, two years of which are suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of the same offences during the period of suspension.
He was also sentenced to six years in prison, of which two years are to run concurrently with count one.
“This results in the effective sentence of 12 years direct imprisonment,” the NPA explained.
While the NPA in KwaZulu-Natal has finalised several cases in respect of the July 2021 unrest, the agency said this was the first conviction where an individual has been convicted and subsequently sentenced for inciting the unrest.
“We hope that this sentence serves as a deterrent to others who intend on engaging in similar offences. We commend the working relationship between the DPCI [Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation] KZN and the prosecution,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 13:56
For a long time, South Africa has hinged its prosperity on gold, and the development and economic prosperity of the province of Gauteng gives testimony to this fact. Recent decades, however, have seen production of gold wane dramatically, from an era of having been our majority metal export to now being a small minority at …
Nelson Mandela Bay ward councillor promises they will get water by Christmas and electricity in January
The management of data quality is a common struggle across companies and industries. Prioritising fraud prevention and having insight into data can have a ripple effect on the economy. Everything is hyper-personalised by tracking people’s engagements, clicks, and movements. Insights into this invaluable data can enable rapid instant information with various benefits. To explore …
Dear Editor The DA welcomes Parliament’s Joint Ethics Committee’s recommendation that Police Minister Bheki Cele must apologise to the house following his “shut up” tirade last year. While the committee recommended that Cele apologises “in the house for his conduct towards Mr Ian Cameron”, the DA believes that the Police Minister must also apologise to …
Shouldn’t You Be Using Different Sunscreens For Your Face And Body? South Africa – When it comes to adequately protecting your skin against the damaging effects of the sun, sunscreen is widely known as your saving grace for both your face and body. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the skin on your …
Employment and Labour conveys condolences to the families of the 11 departed miners in Implats
The Department of Employment and Labour has sent its deep condolences to the families of the 11 miners who tragically lost their lives at the Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg in the North West.
On Monday, Implats reported that a serious safety incident involving a winder rope occurred at its 11 Shaft operation at Impala Platinum.
According to the mine, workers were being brought to the surface at the end of their shift when the conveyance system that carries workers up and down an underground shaft 1 000 metres deep began a rapid descent.
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi said the department views the occurrence as the most painful.
“Our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and those touched by this tragic incident. The department will ensure relevant support is provided where necessary and needed.
“The Department extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the 11 miners, their families, colleagues, and the mining industry as a whole,” the Minister said.
The department also wished the 75 employees who were hurt a speedy recuperation.
Nxesi also urged those responsible for Health and Safety in the mines to conduct quick investigations, to establish whether there was negligence or not. If there was, the Minister emphasised that the law should take its course, within the relevant prescripts. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 10:02
29 November 2023 Monster Energy to begin their next chapter in Formula One from 2024 After 14 consecutive seasons of racing and partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, during which time we have experienced the full range of highs and lows of motorsport, Monster Energy will begin a new chapter in the sport …
Multifactor productivity has increased in South Africa. This emerged during the release of the 2023 National Productivity Statistics by the government agency tasking with productivity improvement and job creation, Productivity SA. Productivity SA is an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour, established in terms of section 31 of the Employment Services Act, No. …
KZN Transport condemns rape of female security officers
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport says it is appalled at the attack and rape of three female security officers by criminals targeting departmental offices in the eThekwini region.
The incident happened as the country observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
According to reports, heavily armed criminals entered the Department of Transport offices in Merebank, south of Durban, on Monday at around 02:30am.
While three male security officers, who belong to the private security company contracted to the department were kept hostage, the three female officers, who were held at gunpoint in another room, were sexually assaulted and raped.
“The criminals also stole departmental work tools, which are used for road maintenance and other assets. The female staff have been taken in for medical examination and cases have been opened with the police,” the department said.
The department said an investigating team has also visited the department's offices to initiate an investigation and are giving this case high priority.
After hearing the incident, Transport Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, immediately assigned the Head of Department, Siboniso Mbhele, to urgently visit the site and to engage with other staff members, who were still traumatised.
After meeting with the office management and staff, Mbhele said the department will look closely at the issue of improving security in the department’s offices and urged the police to move with speed in arresting the suspects.
Mbhele said the incident will affect staff morale and seriously impact on service delivery.
“The cruelty by these criminals against female security officers is unacceptable. Crime against women must be condemned by all of us, more so during such the critical campaign of no violence against women and children.
“We appeal to the police to activate a high-level investigating team and bring these heartless criminals to book. We are also addressing the security improvement in our premises to protect staff and our equipment,” Mbhele said.
Mbhele also appealed to the community to work with the police in reporting anyone who is selling departmental equipment.
He said the department has arranged for psycho-social services to assist the staff members at the centre to be able to continue with their daily duties.
The department within eThekwini has been the target of a criminal syndicate that attacks staff members at gunpoint, steal brush cutters and other equipment.
In another incident, a departmental grader was recovered in Camperdown. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 11:32
Castrol, a trusted name in automotive care and maintenance, has announced its association with Auto Complete, a Retail Motor Industry accredited, automotive workshop and service centre situated in Pinetown, Durban. This significant collaboration aims to provide developmental opportunities for the local motor city, including access to training solutions, marketing, and customer experience support, as well …
Dear Editor With Eskom busy prioritising the design of a new logo and the development of a new corporate identity instead of permanently ending load shedding, the past few days has seen the country plunged back into heightened levels of load shedding, namely stage 6 load shedding. In a briefly worded statement, issued last Friday …