Defence department’s finances in shambles
Auditor-general hits department once again with a qualified report, citing complete mismanagement of assets
The department of defence has again received a qualified audit opinion, with the auditor-general finding there was complete mismanagement of its assets. The department oversees the South African National Defence Force, which is responsible for defending SA against external military aggression and plays a key role in peacekeeping missions in Africa. It has over the years been hit with a string of negative audit reports, ranging from qualified, to disclaimer, which is the worst possible audit outcome. The department received a qualified audit in the previous financial year, after submitting error-ridden financial statements and incurring more than R400m in irregular spending. The department has a budget of about R48bn for the 2018/2019 financial year, down from R49bn allocated in 2017/2018. It has said it requires more money to avoid losing more of its essential capabilities.
In the department’s annual report, tabled in Parliament this week, auditor-general Kimi Makwetu said he ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.