Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs chairperson Fikile Xasa praised Auditor-General (AG) Tsakane Maluleke, noting that her work relating to material irregularities in local government, is yielding some results

On Tuesday the portfolio committee met with the AG’s office, where it heard that the material irregularities process is making an impact, particularly as a result of "responsive accounting officers".

Xasa noted that R182.75-million in financial losses in local government had been recovered, R18.85-million in financial losses had been prevented and R310-million was in the process of being recovered.

The committee also heard that internal controls had been improved to prevent recurrence, responsible officials were identified and disciplinary process were completed or are underway.

He added that fraud or criminal investigations had been instituted, supplier contracts had been stopped where money was being lost, and outstanding financial statements had been submitted.

However, Maluleke expressed concerns that irregular expenditure had not been attended to by municipal public accounts committees (MPACs).

The AG’s recommendation is for municipal councils, MPACs and provincial legislatures to request quarterly reports from accounting officers on the status of their material irregularities.

In addition, they should hold accounting officers accountable for any unreasonable delays in resolving the irregularities.

Xasa said the Cogta committee also noted the lengthy time it took to conclude investigations and the negative impact of these delays, such as the inability to recover resources because “people have moved”.

Xasa also mentioned that he believed accounting officers who failed to deliver on their mandate should face the law.

“If accounting officers are not doing what they are supposed to do, the law should take its course. Make examples with such accounting officers who are not doing their work,” he urged.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Zolile Burns-Ncamashe assured the committee that the department would do everything possible to ensure there was significant improvement in recoveries, records management and all the other matters raised by the AG.