North West Registers Notable Gains in Financial Accountability with Improved Audit Outcomes

The North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, has expressed commendation for the considerable strides made in the audit outcomes of the provincial departments during the 2023/24 period. The leap in outcomes signifies a substantial shift from the prior year, revealing an upward trajectory towards streamlined financial management.

The province has moved the needle on transparency with nine of its 12 departments achieving unqualified audit reports. This commendable feat includes two departments that went the extra mile to secure clean audits. An additional positive note is the reduction in audit qualification paragraphs, with one department receiving a qualified audit outcome as compared to five the previous year.

The current results reflect the provincial government's devoted efforts to bolster good governance, embodied by heightened financial oversight and accountability. The Premier noted that the accuracy of financial statements and the growth in clean audits concur with the administration's aims to potentiate public confidence, ameliorate service delivery, and augment the living conditions for the residents of the North West.

Fostering this achievement is the implementation of novel strategies over the preceding year, which entailed a synergetic approach involving financial authorities such as Chief Financial Officers and financial management segments.

The previous year's efforts led the province to accelerate support for lower-performing departments, resulting in a commendable climb from seven to nine departments securing unqualified outcomes. This progression not only symbolizes the province's resolve towards meticulous financial scrutiny but also highlights an expansion of audit scopes and mechanisms.

A sturdy, ethical, and development-oriented governmental structure is at the heart of the Premier's vision, with substantial emphasis on rock-solid financial stewardship. Premier Mokgosi acknowledged the collective input of the Provincial Treasury, Provincial Audit Committee, the Auditor General of South Africa, and the dedication of portfolio committee members and chairs in propelling the province forward.

Through the concerted actions and guidance of these stakeholders, the North West province has managed to overcome its hindrances, especially those that led to the implementation of Section 100 interventions. This successful transition is indicative of the broader institutional reforms and oversight enhancements undertaken to promote a transparent and accountable administrative landscape.

The significant improvements in the 2023/24 audit results demonstrate the North West province's commitment to integrity and superior fiscal management, positioning it on a path toward sustainable development and the optimum delivery of public services.