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The Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor, congratulated her department and the entities reporting to it after they received clean audit awards from the Auditor-General for the 2014/15 financial year.

The financial statements of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and its entities in the past financial year were found free of material misstatements (in other words, they received an unqualified audit opinion for their finances) and there were no material findings in respect of reporting on performance objectives or non-compliance with legislation.

With a budget of R6,480 billion, the department worked towards creating employment and enhancing the quality of life of all South Africans during 2014/15.

Minister Pandor said, "The department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance, which is fundamental to the management of public finances and resources."

The Minister thanked the Auditor-General for the award initiative, and indicated the need to appreciate the value of excellence and maintain the standards required by the Auditor-General.

The Director-General of Science and Technology, Dr Phil Mjwara, attributed the clean audits received to the DST's corporate governance framework, which includes internal audit and enterprise risk management units, as well as external audit and risk management committees, which form the main pillar of governance arrangements at both the DST and its entities.

Dr Mjwara said the DST and its entities will continue with good corporate governance and administration practices in the execution of their mandate.

Issued by Department of Science and Technology