MAHIKENG MAIL - RUSTENBURG: In an unprecedented Audit Outcome that has not happened in at least more than ten years in the history of the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) has granted the municipality an unqualified audit opinion.
The historic achievement was announced by the municipality’s Executive Mayor, Dikeledi Suzan Nthangeni during a media briefing held at the municipal offices on Tuesday.
This is after the Auditor-General of South Africa audited the financial statements of the municipality, comprising of various Appropriate statements, including Statement of financial position as at 30 June 2024; Statement of financial position performance; Statement of changes in net assets; Cash flow statement; Statement of comparison of budget information with actual information for the year then ended; Notes to the financial statements and Summary of accounting policies. The AGSA found that these statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the municipality as at 30 June 2024, its financial performance and cash flows for the year then, in accordance with the Standards of Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) and the requirements of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 20023 (2003) and the Division of Revenue Act 5 of 2023 (DoRA ).
Addressing the media, Cllr Nthangeni said the independent audit was conducted in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). The AGSA, she said believes that the audit evidence that she obtained is 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. Cllr Nthangeni said it was pleasing to note that the AGSA obtained reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from material misstatements. As a result, the AGSA commended the municipality through its Acting Municipal Manager, for preparing a fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance 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 were 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.
She said the Hawks were investigating payments of fraudulent invoices to a fraudulent bank account made and the case is still ongoing, SAPS was 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 also investigating a case of threats and intimidations made against the Acting Municipal Manager.
“I am so delighted by this news. It remains our aim and objective at Bojanala Platinum District Municipality to be characterised and remembered for a 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 Cllr Nthangeni, upon delivering the good news.
