It's time for truth of consequences
'Massive' change of culture needed to stern rising tide of wasteful and irregular public spending
Until there is a culture of accountability, wasteful and irregular expenditure in the public sector will continue, says auditor-general Kimi Makwetu. He presented his report in parliament this week showing that irregular expenditure increased nearly 80% to R46.36-billion in the 2015-16 fiscal year. His report is about weak governance and a lack of leadership, lack of proper supply chain management, lack of accountability and lack of consequences. A "massive" change of culture is needed, he says. "You have to change the attitude of so many individuals who are stuck in doing what they think they are there for." Which, judging by his report, is self-enrichment and obfuscation when the auditor-general pays a visit. "Short of having strong and resolute leadership at the helm", don't hold your breath, is the essence of his message. This needs to come from the top and include "anyone who is in the management chain - from accounting officers responsible for the implementation of projects to...
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