Question NW4228 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

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13 December 2022 - NW4228

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Mr M

Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

How does her department, with regard to the 26,7 million that was written off as being part of the deposits not collected and attributed to bad revenue management and compromised capacity, intend to adequately capacitate and ensure that capacity is not compromised through the deployment of employees to missions (b) What measures are in place for overall better financial management in her department, considering the high irregular expenditure they have recorded?

Reply:

1.  Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been implemented. Chief Directorate Property and Facilities Management in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation liaises with the Missions on active accommodation lease agreements, as well as the signing of the indemnity forms once officials occupy the accommodation. Debt management is implemented once officials are informed of their date of return to South Africa by Corporate Management.

2. The current irregular expenditure has been reduced significantly in the last two financial years by terminating major irregular contracts and implementing audit action plan controls including a checklist, to curtail and prevent irregular expenditure. Policies, delegations and SOP are also being amended as per need and circulars are being drafted to address compliance matters.

The Department will also focus on finalising investigations and disciplinary actions and that must be finalised in line with the National Treasury Framework, to condone historical irregular expenditure.

A financial misconduct committee has been established in order to assist management with implementing consequence management within the whole department. Audit steering committee has also been appointed to strengthen financial control and oversee audit related matters.

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