Picture: The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 September 2024— The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said there is a significant improvement in the audit outcomes of the North West municipalities as highlighted in the Auditor General’s 2022-23 report. Mosenogi said the Auditor General (AG), Tsakani Maluleke’s recent presentation to Parliament, underscores a noteworthy achievement.
She further said 18 municipalities, including several in North West, have successfully moved out of the negative audit category. Mosenogi added that this progress is a testament to the concerted efforts and enhanced support from provincial and national governments.
“In the North West, of the 22 municipalities, 21 submitted Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for the 22/23 financial year, except Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Three municipalities, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, City of Matlosana and Moses Kotane Local Municipality, obtained unqualified opinions in 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.
“Moses Kotane Local Municipality obtained an Unqualified Audit Opinion in the 2021/22 financial year. In 2022/2023, it regressed to Qualified Audit Opinion. Moretele Local Municipality improved to Unqualified Audit Opinion in the 2022/2023 financial year,” she said.
Mosenogi said in 2021/22 Financial Year, 10 municipalities, Bojanala District Municipality, Moretele, Rustenburg, JB Marks, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Kagisano Molopo, Greater Taung, Mahikeng, Ramotshere and Tswaing, received qualified Audit Opinions.
She said in 2022/23, an improvement of two more qualified audit outcomes was registered and these municipalities are Kgetleng-Rivier and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.
“For 2022/23 financial year, the improved audit outcomes were recorded by Moretele from Qualified to Unqualified, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality from averse to Qualified and lastly Kgetleng-Rivier Local Municipality from Disclaimer to Qualified Audit outcomes.
“In the 2021/22 financial years, disclaimer Audit Opinion was registered in 7 municipalities, Kgetleng, Madibeng, Maquassi Hills, Lekwa Teemane, Mamusa, Naledi and Ratlou. In 2022/2023, there were improvements which resulted in reduction of disclaimer from 7 to 4, and the four remaining are Maquassi Hills, Lekwa Teemane, Mamusa and Ratlou Local Municipalities,” said Mosenogi.
She said in the 2022/2023 financial year, only Madibeng and Naledi, received adverse Audit Opinions. Mosenogi said notwithstanding that only one municipality did not submit, the number of disclaimers have decreased, number of qualified audit opinions has increased, which indicates an improvement and sustained improvements in terms of unqualified audit opinions.
“Despite persistent challenges, there have been positive strides. Importantly, the support by the provincial governments has played a crucial role in this improvement, demonstrating our commitment to better financial and performance management.
“In recognition of the challenges experienced by Ditsobotla, the provincial government through the Provincial Treasury assisted Ditsobotla Local Municipality by preparing and ensuring that the 2021/22, 2022/23 including the 2023/24 financial statements are submitted by August 2024, and this significantly reduces the number of outstanding AFS for Ditsobotla,” she said.
Mosenogi said her department remains dedicated to supporting municipalities in enhancing their financial health, compliance with legislation, and service delivery. She said they will continue to work diligently to address areas of concern and foster a culture of accountability and performance.
The Guardian 