Question NW571 to the Minister of Tourism
22 March 2024 - NW571
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) Whether, with reference to the Auditor-General’s report of 2019 which highlighted that at Least 14 infrastructure projects under her department had significant challenges, all variations/deviations incurred were properly authorised; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether there were any irregular activities in the management of the specified projects; ifso, what (a) are the relevant details of the irregularities, (b) consequence management measures were taken against officials who were responsible for overseeing and/or presiding over these projects and (c) are the specified measures; (3) Whether she will furnish Ms H Ismail with the basic account system payment reports on all projects from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2022; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Whether all variations/deviations incurred were properly authorized; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
I have been informed that the details are contained in the Annual Report of 2019 on the Department’s Website: https://www.tourism.gov.za/ResourceCentre/Pages/Reports.aspx
(2)(a) Whether there were any irregular activities in the management of the specified projects; if so, what are the relevant details of the irregularities?
Details of the findings are contained in the Annual Performance Report of 2018/ 2019 as well as in the Auditor General’s presentation to the Portfolio Committee on 8 October 2019.
https://www.tourism.gov.za/ResourceCentre/Pages/Reports.aspx.
(2)(b) and (2) (c) consequence management measures were taken against officials who were responsible for overseeing and/or residing over these projects and what are the specified measures;
(i) Disciplinary Process: Seven employees who were directly involved in the management of the projects were charged with gross financial misconduct and gross negligence. Two were not found guilty of the charges preferred against them. The Department has referred these cases to the Labour Court to review the ruling of the Chairperson of the disciplinary hearing. The parties, being the department represented by the State Attorney and the employees, represented by their lawyers are currently exchanging and the cases will be set down for hearing at the Labour Court in due course when pleading has closed.
(ii) Criminal Charges - The Department, following the provisions of the PFMA regarding allegations of financial misconduct, opened criminal cases with the South African Police Services (SAPS), against the implicated officials. SAPS investigations are currently underway.
(3) Will the Minister furnish Ms H Ismail with the basic account system payment reports on all projects from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2022; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
The Financial Reports and Audited Financial statements are contained in the Annual Report (s) on the department’s website.
https://www.tourism.gov.za/ResourceCentre/Pages/Reports.aspx
The Department’s Annual Performance Reports older than 2010 are available in Parliament’s Library and will be listed as the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.