Staff Reporter
In a move that promises to shake the corridors of power, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has unveiled a plan to crack down on financial mismanagement within the National Treasury and its sprawling network of entities.
Facing sharp scrutiny from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) over dismal audit results, the Minister has pledged to tighten internal controls, tighten belts on fraudulent claims, and boost reporting standards for irregular spending.
The National Strategic Plan, as it’s dubbed, marks a stark shift from past practices where nearly a third of entities under Treasury’s watch failed to secure clean audits. This leaky bucket of public funds has long been a thorn in the side of the EFF, and MP Mzwanele Manyi wasted no time in grilling the Minister about it.
“We can’t have a situation where hard-earned taxpayer money goes down a black hole. “What’s being done to clean up this mess? ,” said Manyi.
Godongwana, a seasoned fiscal warrior, didn’t shy away from the challenge. He outlined a multi-pronged attack on financial malfeasance, starting with a deep-dive into contracts.
“We’re putting in place review processes to sniff out any unauthorized spending, wasteful splurges, and irregularities before they even get a foot in the door,” he declared.
The Minister didn’t stop at the front gate, he also hinted at stricter consequences for entities that fail to meet the clean audit mark. Think Land Bank, Public Investment Corporation, SASRIA, and the Government Pensions Administration Agency, all flagged for messy financial housekeeping. These institutions, Godongwana warned, will face tailored interventions to get their act together.
The plan’s success, however, hinges on more than just pronouncements. The EFF has rightly expressed skepticism, urging concrete steps and rigorous follow-through. Can Treasury truly plug the leaks and restore public trust?
Will Godongwana’s plan be a game-changer or just another leaky promise?
