RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - In an unprecedented audit outcome that has not happened on any occasion during the past decade, the Auditor General South Africa (AGSA ) has granted the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality an unqualified audit opinion.
The audit was conducted in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). The AGSA believes that the audit evidence that she obtained was sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for her opinion. It should also be noted that the AGSA opinion is not modified in respect of the matters found during auditing.
It is pleasing to note that the AGSA obtained reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from material misstatements. As a result, the AGSA com-mended the municipality through its Acting Municipal Manager, for preparing a fair presentation of the financial statements in accor-dance with standards of GRAP, the requirements of the MFMA and the DoRA.
What is even more commendable about the AGSA’s audit outcome for the 2023/2024 financial year, is that there is adequate supporting evidence for the achievements reported and measures taken to improve performance. She did not identify any material findings on the reported performance information. In conclusion, the audit outcome highlighted and acknowledged that:
· The HAWKS are investigating various cases of corruption and fraud where unauthorised debit orders were deducted from the municipality’s primary bank account and this case is still ongoing.
· The HAWKS are investigating payments of fraudulent invoices to a fraudulent bank account made and the case is still ongoing.
· SAPS is in the process of investigating a case of breaking into the Acting Municipal Manager’s office.
· The HAWKS are investigating theft of devices procured through contract but not in the municipality’s records.
· The HAWKS are investigating a case of threats and intimidations made against the Acting Municipal Manager.
“I am delighted by this news. It remains our aim and objective at Bojanala Platinum District Municipality to be characterised and remembered with good governance and clean audit. I commend the efforts of the Acting Municipal Manager, Dr Auchalie Mothupi with his management team for ensuring attainment of this positive audit outcome. This is a legacy we are going to leave in this municipality,” said Executive Mayor, Cllr Dikeledi Suzan Nthangeni, upon receiving the good news.
