Durban achieves first clean audit in 16 years
Good governance and service delivery at the forefront of award.
ETHEKWINI Municipality has been awarded a clean audit for ‘good governance and service delivery’ for the 2014/15 financial year.
According to the municipality, the Auditor General found the financial statements were free of material misstatements, there was no material non-compliance with key legislation and the municipality’s report was presented in an useful and reliable manner as measured against pre-determined objectives in the annual performance plan.
A press release from the municipality read: “The consolidated financial performance indicators show that the municipality is in a healthy fiscal position, which reflects the city’s strong commitment to the principles of accountability, transparency, anti-corruption, proper financial management and effective internal control systems.”
“This is something to really be proud of. Congratulations to the team on achieving a clean audit. I am excited about this as we achieved this while still focusing on service delivery,” said deputy mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala.
Finance and procurement committee chairman, Fawzia Peer said the clean audit shows funds were spent economically while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
“It is the first time since eThekwini was established in 2000 that a clean audit has been achieved. A clean audit means we have complied with the legislature of the country after submitting our financial records which were untainted. It indicates that we have done well with our performance management systems and that we have delivered as a city.
Previously we received unqualified audit outcomes, so to receive a clean audit is great. It was achieved due to a number of factors including the commitment of senior management including the mayor, executive committee, council and managers. We have also strengthened our internal audit processes as well as our supply-chain management processes,” added city manager, Sibusiso Sithole.
He congratulated the municipal team on the success and said it needed to be maintained by filling critical vacant posts, strengthening the city integrity and investigations unit, improving communication with stakeholders and communities, minimising public protests and curbing irregular spending.
