North West Reports Improved Audit Outcomes, Signaling Positive Change

Mokgosi emphasized that a well-managed government is essential for attracting investment opportunities to the province.

The North West Provincial Government has announced a significant improvement in its audit outcomes, indicating a promising trajectory compared to previous financial years. This positive assessment was presented by Auditor-General of South Africa (AGA), Tsakani Maluleke, during a recent meeting with North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi in Klerksdorp, located within the City of Matlosana Local Municipality.

Key Findings of the 2023/24 Audit Cycle

According to the provincial government, the findings from the 2023/24 audit cycle, which concluded on 31 March 2024, are noteworthy:

Nine departments received unqualified audit outcomes.

Among these, two departments achieved clean audits.

Only one department received a qualified audit opinion, although this department had reduced qualification paragraphs compared to previous years.

Premier Mokgosi views these outcomes as a significant turning point in the province’s efforts to enhance the rule of law, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in governance.

Importance of Good Governance for Investment

Mokgosi emphasized that a well-managed government is essential for attracting investment opportunities to the province. “We will not be able to lure investments and address challenges of unemployment if we don’t focus our energies on ensuring that we prioritize clean governance,” he asserted. The North West’s extended unemployment rate currently hovers around 55%, as reported in the Labour Survey Report of the Second Quarter. The Premier believes that addressing unemployment is directly tied to the effectiveness of the provincial government in meeting the needs of its citizens.

“The audit outcomes serve as a glimmer of hope that we are on the correct developmental trajectory to address challenges confronting the province and create various socio-economic opportunities for our people,” Mokgosi stated.

Progress Since National Intervention

The Premier pointed out that the recent progress reflects the efforts made to resolve the issues that led to the implementation of Section 100 of the Constitution by the national government a few years ago. This section allows for national intervention in a provincial administration when a province fails to fulfill its executive obligations.

In 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the invocation of Section 100 in the North West. This intervention was officially withdrawn in March 2022, signaling a return to provincial autonomy.

Acknowledgements and Future Outlook

Mokgosi expressed gratitude to the Provincial Legislature, particularly to Speaker Desbo Mohono, the Chief Whip of the majority party, Motlalepula Rosho, and Smuts Matshe, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa). Their oversight and contributions were recognized as instrumental in addressing the concerns raised by the Auditor-General.

The Premier’s Office stated that the collaborative efforts will help the province further improve on the issues highlighted in the audit report, ultimately enhancing governance and fostering economic opportunities for the people of North West.