This is the first annual report of the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC). In 2012, the Ministers of Finance and Public Service and Administration approved the establishment of GTAC as a government component. This gave effect to the vision of a self-standing entity within the public service to provide advisory and professional support services. In April 2014, the Minister of Finance signed off on the transfer to GTAC of the advisory functions of the former PPP Unit, the Technical Assistance Unit, the Jobs Fund Project Management Unit, the National Capital Projects Unit and the Performance and Expenditure Review Programme. During the 2014/15 financial year GTAC focused on consolidating existing programmes and activities, while consulting and reflecting on strategic priorities and possible organisational shifts or adjustments.

In his foreword to the GTAC Annual Report Minister Nene indicates that the Public Finance Management Act (1999) requires the National Treasury to promote transparency and the effective management of revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities of departments, public entities and constitutional institutions. It also enjoins the National Treasury to assist organs of state in building their capacity for efficient, effective and transparent financial management. He mentions that GTAC’s mandate gives effect to these obligations. He mentions that “GTAC’s scope of work is wide, from administering job-creation projects, to strengthening municipal finance management, to providing advice on specialised transactions”.​​​​​