GDE to check schools’ finances
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) will monitor schools more closely to prevent future financial irregularities that might occur.
This follows claims of irregularities at Glenvista High School in Alberton, where the former principal and school governing body chairman are alleged to have stolen at least R38-million in school funds.
Phumla Sekhonyane, GDE spokesman, says schools should comply by the rules set by department regarding bank accounts.
Schools are at liberty to apply for an additional bank account which needs to be in the name of the school and must have three signatories.
The school can appoint an independent auditor to audit their financial statements by June 30 each year as obliged by the South African School Act.
Sekhonyane says this is necessary as all stakeholders should know how their finances are being utilised.
The reason for these audits is to check the financial records.
The auditors prepare the audited financial statements and give assurance by providing audit opinions or findings to the GDE and present it to the parents at the school’s AGM.
Sekhonyane says if the GDE finds irregularities, a forensic audit will be done.
The aim of such an investigation is to determine whether there has been any maladministration, fraud, corruption or any criminal conduct by individuals or authorities entrusted with management of school funds.
“The GDE will monitor schools more frequently in future,” she says.
