The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) has achieved a historic institutional milestone by securing its first-ever clean audit from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) since the advent of democracy.
The achievement follows a steady upward trajectory of six consecutive years of unqualified audit opinions.
The department’s MEC, Oageng Molapisi, said the clean audit marks a significant turnaround in fiscal discipline and legislative compliance, positioning the department as a benchmark for good governance in a province that has historically faced municipal governance and administrative challenges.
“This clean audit is a victory for the people of the North West Province. It confirms that integrity, accountability and disciplined financial management are not merely aspirations but principles that guide the work of this department every day. As the institution responsible for supporting local government, we believe leadership begins with leading by example. We are proud that our department has demonstrated that clean governance is achievable through commitment, teamwork and responsible stewardship of public resources,” said Molapisi.
Molapisi described the clean audit as a defining moment in the department’s journey towards building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“This is a remarkable achievement, given that the department addressed all prior-year irregular expenditure dating back to 2008, amounting to R501 million,” he said.
He added that, while celebrating the achievement, the department remained focused on the work ahead.
“The clean audit strengthens our resolve to intensify support for municipalities as they strive to improve governance, strengthen financial management, enhance service delivery and ultimately improve audit outcomes. This achievement sends a clear message that clean governance is attainable when there is decisive leadership, strong governance systems, sound financial controls and a culture of accountability.”
The department attributed the achievement to the support received from the Provincial Treasury and acknowledged the efforts of its management, employees, the Audit Committee, Internal Audit Unit and other governance structures whose collective commitment made the milestone possible.
