Evaluation of Department of Public Works Hearing

Meeting report

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS STANDING COMMITTEE
3 September 2002
EVALUATION OF PUBLIC WORKS HEARING

Chairperson: Mr F Beukman (NNP)

Documents Handed out:
None

SUMMARY
The Committee evaluated the previous week's hearing with the Department of Public Works on the Annual Report of the Auditor General. Members were critical of the format of the hearing and suggested more advanced preparation for future hearings of this kind. Concern was expressed that the Director General wanted to shift attention away from the Department to the Auditor General, which may set a bad precedent for other Departments to make similar claims if they are not sufficiently accountable.

MINUTES
The Committee discussed the claim by the Director General of the Department of Public that the Auditor General's report did not use the 'correct' auditing procedures. Mr D Gumede (ANC), speaking as a member of Group A, felt that SCOPA could improve on the format of the hearing. Too much time was spent on the dispute concerning the Auditor General's report. He suggested that SCOPA should prepare at least ten days in advance of such hearings. Nevertheless, the quality of the hearing was very useful and areas of focus were very clear.

Members felt that the Chairperson should be part of the hearings and actually be more informed if possible than the other Members about the particular issue.

Other Members expressed concern that the Director General wanted to shift attention away from the Department to the Auditor General. Their greatest concern was that this may set a bad precedent for other Departments to make similar claims in the light of their lack of good accountability.

The suggestion that they bring in the Public Accountants and Auditors Board, would show that SCOPA doubts the integrity and expertise of the Auditor-General and their report.

The meeting was adjourned.