Sixty-Seven North West government officials trained in Risk and Asset Management to address repeated adverse audit findings
In response to challenges that affect sound financial management, effective service delivery, poverty reduction and economic development sixty-seven (67) public servants from different provincial departments and public entities were trained in the fields of Risk and Asset Management. The training was facilitated by Provincial Treasury due to repeated adverse audit findings in the areas of risk and asset management.
Prior the training, the Provincial Treasury conducted an intensive financial competency skills assessment of officials in the offices of Chief Financial Officers in the provincial departments and public entities. The assessments revealed several gaps in specific performance areas which necessitated specialized training in Asset management and Risk Management as they were identified as the most critical areas.
The intensive four months programme started in December 2018 and was completed in March this year. It is expected of beneficiaries to perform to a level where they could independently and confidently accomplish their core functions in financial management with a view of registering an improvement in audit outcomes.
Addressing the trained officials, the Provincial Accountant General Geo Paul said for government to manage its resources effectively, it needs competent officials with sound financial management skills.
He said financial management fulfils an important role in the public sector, because without public funds to cover operational and capital costs, and without appropriate personnel, no public institution can render effective services.
Paul said the effectiveness and appropriateness of systems and procedures used to manage state assets is vital. “Great emphasis should be placed on ensuring better accounting practices and procedures, to ensure that state assets are managed and utilized in the most effective way to achieve the required results as defined for each entity within the Public Sector”.
The Head of Department, Mr Ndlela Kunene encouraged the trainees to implement what they have learnt, perform according to the prescripts and improve service delivery. “It is my firm believe that the resources and energies that we put in this programme will yield intended results and we will begin to see change in the audit outcomes of the upcoming financial years in the areas of risk and asset management.”
For more information or clarity:
Kesalopa Gill
Tel: 0183883584
Cell: 0785486352
Email: kgill@nwpg.gov.za
