The Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) has issued an unqualified (clean) audit opinion on the financial statements of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) for the 2024/25 financial year. This marks the DSTI’s 5th consecutive clean audit outcome.
This clean audit confirms that the DSTI’s financial statements present a true and fair view of the Department's financial position as at 31 March 2025 and fairly reflect its financial performance and cash flow for the year, in accordance with the Modified Cash Standard and the Public Finance Management Act.
In welcoming this audit outcome, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, stated that “This audit outcome affirms the reliability and integrity of the Department’s financial reporting and is a validation of our ongoing efforts to strengthen our financial and performance management systems.”
“The achievement of a clean audit is no small matter for our Department and we see it as a critical enabler for the realisation of a capable and ethical state and gives greater impetus to the Department’s mission of placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society.”
“Most importantly, we owe this clean audit outcome to the staff of our Department, who in spite of a number of internal constraints, have consistently displayed remarkable dedication, professionalism, and resilience in the execution of their duties.”
“I also wish to express my gratitude to the Executive leadership of the Department for their continued support and guidance. I wish to particularly thank Deputy Directors-General, Mr. Daan Du Toit and Ms. Gugulethu Zwane, who acted in the position of Director-General, during the 2024/25 financial year,” added the Minister.
Joining the Minister in expressing her appreciation to staff, the Deputy Minister, Ms. Nomalungelo Gina, added that “This clean audit is a reflection of the quality of the professionals we have in the Department, whose work is underpinned by laser focus towards efficiency and good governance. This must be a badge of honour to our officials, while it is a fountain of inspiration and pride to us as the political leadership of the Department. I wish to congratulate the entire DSTI family.”
In support of the congratulatory messages of the Minister and Deputy Minister, the Director-General, Dr. Mlungisi Cele, asserted that “A clean audit is not the end goal, but a foundation for greater impact. It enables us to focus on what matters most: advancing scientific research, building critical skills, supporting innovation, and delivering world-class infrastructure that positions South Africa as a leader in science and technology.”
The Auditor-General’s report also highlights that the DSTI spent 99,9% of its allocated budget for the year, demonstrating strong financial execution and programme delivery capacity.
In addition to the financial audit, the Auditor-General assessed the usefulness and reliability of performance information in the DSTI's 2024/25 annual performance report. No material findings were identified, indicating that the reported performance information for key indicators was credible and aligned with the Department's mandate.
The indicators include:
- Bursaries awarded to PhD and postgraduate students
- Research grants to emerging researchers (with a focus on black female researchers)
- Research publications
- Progress on national research infrastructure such as the MeerKAT radio telescope
While the audit is clean, the Auditor-General also drew attention to performance shortfalls in three areas:
- Installation of six additional MeerKAT Extension antennas instead of the nine planned
- Installation of two L-band receivers on MeerKAT antennas instead of nine
- Placement of 715 graduates and students in work preparation programmes instead of 750
The Minister and the Department acknowledge these under-achievements and have already outlined mitigation strategies, including intensified project management oversight and strengthened collaboration with the implementing entities of the Department such as the National Research Foundation (NRF) and its facility, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO).
The Minister and the Department remain committed to improving the DSTI’s performance and using science, technology and innovation to achieve tangible socio-economic benefits for all South Africans.
Enquiries:
Mr Veli Mbele
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister
Cell: 064 615 0644
E-mail: Veli.Mbele@dsti.gov.za
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