Question NW4166 to the Minister of Science and Technology

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11 December 2015 - NW4166

Profile picture: Madisha, Mr WM

Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Science and Technology

Whether she had ascertained from the Director-General and other relevant officials why the Auditor-General had to remind them of their oversight responsibility as management in 2015 regarding (a) supply chain management, (b) performance information management and (c) instituting more effective policies and procedures to manage the contracts that her department had entered into, if not, why not; if so, (i) what reasons did they advance and (ii) what steps has she taken to ensure that such reminders will never be needed again?

Reply:

  1. Yes,

(aa/ab) During July 2015, a meeting was held between the Minister, management of the Department and officials from Auditor General in which Supply Chain Management and Performance Information management were discussed.

(ac) The Contract Management Sub-Unit has been established, this Sub-Unit has a Practitioner and interviews for the Assistant Director: Contract Management will be conducted in December 2015. In addition to this the Director: Supply Chain Management has been appointed with effect from 01 December 2015. The appointment of these officials will not only secure stability in Contract Management in the Department but will also ensure consistent administration and management of contracts, e.g., the database of contracts kept in Supply Chain Management will be monitored and reviewed monthly by the Chief Financial Officer.

(ac)(i) The Supply Chain Management directorate had experienced capacity constraints however this was addressed through the appointment of contract employees.

(ac)(ii) In terms of oversight responsibilities, the Chief Financial Officer will ensure that there is regular monitoring and reviews of the contract administration and compliance with Supply Chain Management policies and procedures.

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