KZN Premier Commends Office for Achieving Clean Audit for 2023/24 FY

The Auditor-General's report awarded the Office of the Premier a clean audit, marking a significant milestone in governance and financial management.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has praised the team in the Office of the Premier for their dedication and diligence, which led to the office securing a clean audit outcome for the 2023/24 financial year. The Auditor-General's report awarded the Office of the Premier a clean audit, marking a significant milestone in governance and financial management.

"This accomplishment, confirmed by the Auditor-General's report, highlights the office's adherence to sound financial practices and unwavering commitment to transparency," Ntuli stated.

The clean audit opinion for 2023/24 is particularly remarkable as it includes no unauthorized expenditure, no irregular expenditure, no fruitless and wasteful expenditure, no material irregularities, and no emphasis of matter. This marks the second consecutive year that the Office of the Premier has achieved such an outcome, following the clean audit in 2022/23, underscoring a consistent and disciplined approach to financial management.

Premier Ntuli emphasized that the clean audit is a testament to the office's commitment to good governance, accountability, and responsible management of public resources. "The audit result reflects the province’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all departments operate with the highest levels of integrity and efficiency," Ntuli added.

The audit covered all aspects of the office's financial management, including procurement processes, expenditure control, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The Auditor-General’s findings confirmed that the Office of the Premier not only complied with all statutory requirements but also demonstrated prudent financial planning and execution.

Ntuli highlighted the significance of this achievement as a benchmark for other provincial departments and entities, reinforcing the importance of financial discipline and accountability in the public sector. He expressed confidence that the clean audit would enhance public trust in the administration and inspire further efforts to improve service delivery across KwaZulu-Natal.

Dr. Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Director-General at the KZN Office of the Premier, who played a key role in implementing robust financial controls, attributed the success to strong leadership and the dedication of the finance and management teams. "Achieving a clean audit requires a collaborative effort, and I am incredibly proud of the team for maintaining the highest standards of financial management. This clean audit assures the public that we are using their resources effectively and for the intended purposes," Mkhize said.