In an effort to beef up financial efficiency, the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development appointed Mr Ian van der Merwe as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The CFO will be responsible for improving the finances of one of the biggest departments in Gauteng. One of his immediate tasks is to develop and implement a financial turnaround strategy. Given his professional qualifications and experience revealed below, there is no doubt that Mr van der Merwe and his team would greatly improve the financial performance of the department.
“What’s important is to comply timeously with whatever documents requested by the Auditor-General during the financial year. First we need to resolve these issues step by step; such as creating good relations with the Auditor-General foremost. That also goes to changing the manner in which the media perceives us in their coverage,” he emphasised.
He highlighted the issue of accrual in finances, referring to payments as and when they are due, as a major challenge that needs an urgent intervention. Mr Van der Merwe also touched on the issue of assets management and the administration of hospitals that need fixing for the department to meet its target of getting a clean audit. He further commended initiatives such as “Operation Clean Up”, as a step in the right direction.
“Finances are not the only area the Auditor-General concentrates on when doing the audit, he also focuses on other areas such as human resources in the department,” he said.
Mr van der Merwe was born in Centurion, Pretoria and is married. He has a Bachelor of Commerce (B Com) and a Masters in Business Administration from University of Pretoria and B Com Honours from the University of South Africa (UNISA). He worked in Limpopo provincial Departments of Agriculture and Education as a Chief Financial Officer, respectively.
He also had a stint in the private sector working for Amalgamated Banks of South Africa (ABSA), including state entities such as Telkom South Africa Limited (Ltd).
Good luck on your new appointment!
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
23 March 2010
Source: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.health.gpg.gov.za/)
