The Department of Transport has reported its first clean audit in 31 years, a development celebrated by both Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa. The clean audit outcome, confirmed by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), has been hailed as a significant milestone towards fostering an administration characterised by accountability and transparency, aligning with the country’s ongoing efforts in clean governance.
Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa attributed this breakthrough to the department’s unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and accountability. “This achievement not only reflects our hard work and dedication but also positions us to better serve South Africans by ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and effectively,” Creecy stated during the announcement.
The clean audit underscores a paradigm shift within the department, aimed at restoring public confidence in governmental institutions, which have often faced scrutiny over issues of corruption and maladministration. “Achieving a clean audit after 31 years is not just a statistic; it is a testament to the department’s efforts in cleaning house and paving the way for future administrations to follow,” Hlengwa said, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement in public resource management.
The road to this clean audit reflects a series of strategic reforms and rigorous checks put into place by the department, which aimed to ensure compliance with financial regulations and foster a culture of accountability within its ranks. Acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, Creecy confirmed that efforts would not cease at this juncture, stating, “We will continue our work to uphold these standards and strive for even greater transparency in our operations.”