The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has attained yet another milestone, and this time it is the recognition by the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA), for having published the best Departmental Annual report for the financial year ended 31st March 2010.
Recently, the department also received the third consecutive unqualified audit report for the financial year 2010/11 from the Auditor General.
The SAIGA awards were introduced ten years ago in the public sector to recognise the pursuit of excellence in the annual reports published by provincial and national departments, and the award for the best provincial department category was won by the North West’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
SAIGA Executive President, Professor Dieter Gloeck applauded the department on its achievement and performance, and says this is a sign of the department’s commitment to effective and accountable reporting. “I have no doubt that this is going to reflect positively on the department”, remarked Prof Gloeck.
In acknowledging the award, the Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Mr. Boitumelo Tshwene congratulated the departmental staff for this success and recognised their commitment to publishing a report which efficiently articulates and exhibits to the public, the accurate record of the department’s contribution towards the province’s growth and development goals.
“I wish to extend the department’s gratefulness to the Financial Management Chief Directorate officials who are responsible for the preparation of the annual financial statements which form part of our annual reports and the Policy Planning Directorate staff members who are responsible for the compilation of the entire report, for having added value to the department’s quest for excellence”, highlighted MEC Tshwene who also emphasised that this award will lend prominence and motivation to the department’s ultimate objective of championing good governance.
These awards are a significant initiative which seeks to promote effective compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and related legislations such as the Treasury Regulations.
SAIGA administers and manages the awards to ensure independence from both the executive and finance departments. It is duly supported by both the offices of the Accountant General and Auditor General respectively whilst the University of Pretoria do additional quality assurance.
The Adjudicating Panel and the Technical Award Committee is constituted by experts in the field of public sector reporting, offices of the Accountant General, the Auditor General and the SAIGA.
Contact Person:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
