The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is very disappointed by the findings of Auditor-General Terrence Nombembe’s report of financial irregularities, poor financial controls and poor reporting by departments in the 2010/2011 financial year end audit.
“We must applaud the good work being done by the office of the Auditor General and support his calls to prevent wasteful expenditure, improve supply chain practices and ensure adherence to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). FEDUSA is pleased that the Auditor General is keeping departments on their toes and has conducted investigations into the financial affairs of at least 23 departments and 48 public entities,” stated FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.
FEDUSA fully supports the Auditor General’s report that recommends vacant positions be filled with competent staff in all government departments and public entities. The report continues to say that effective audit committees should be in place to ensure effective governance structures in the form of internal audits and risk management.
“Cadre deployment or appointments based on certain affiliations and general nepotism rather than skills and merit, has resulted in turning a number of municipalities and state owned entities into poor to mediocre institutions and political playing fields. A lack of performance management and monitoring combined with unwillingness or inability to maintain discipline has led to a number of many ‘well-connected’ employees becoming a law unto themselves. Non-compliance must have consequences and accountability must be enforced at every level,” commented George.
During its recent National Congress, FEDUSA members took a number of resolutions to combat the problems of poor service delivery and skills shortages within government run entities. Firstly, FEDUSA will urge Government to cease its policy of cadre deployment and combat corruption in local, provincial and national government so that the necessary services can be delivered to the South African people. Secondly, FEDUSA is demanding the filling of crucial vacancies in all tiers of government, supported by artisan development and vocational training programmes and thirdly, FEDUSA calling for the implementation of a coherent supply-chain strategy, supported by a technological solution as a long-term answer to effective service delivery initiatives and potential achievement of more value for every rand spent
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