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The 11th August will mark exactly a year in office - as an executive authority responsible for this important portfolio.

As we count down to this important day, we wish to report to the people of this province  that the Auditor General of South Africa has presented the department with a Clean Audit Outcome Report for the financial year 2022/2023.

By and large, the latest AG’s report is a tribute to all categories of staff in the department for their unwavering efforts to use public funds wisely – create jobs and lift people out of abject poverty.

When I assumed my responsibilities, having been assigned by the governing party, the African National Congress, I offered not only to play an active role towards the rebuilding our economy, but to ensure accountability and good governance.

I understood that dealing with socio-economic challenges required saving limited state resources and rechannelling them to strengthen rebuilding efforts.

Importantly, when we observe the 365 Days in Office on the 11th of August, we undertake to reflect on the successes, shortcomings and plans ahead.

We will detail clear programmes focusing on ensuring an equitable distribution of economic opportunities in order to uplift our people who are living below the poverty line. The focus is in the townships and rural areas.

Apart from reflecting on what we have done to create much needed job opportunities, we will also focus on black industrial development programme, interventions in the informal economy, entrepreneurship revolution and our enduring partnership with the captains of industry.

We will also focus on the achievements of public entities as we singled them out as engines for job creation.

Finally, I wish to congratulate the Head of the Department, CFO, senior management and all categories of staff at head office and in the districts for this excellent clean audit report.

This report is a source of encouragement as we work harder to convert the province’s undoubted economic development potential for the benefit of the people.

Issued by the Leader of Government Business and MEC for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma