Cape Town - Thirty-three days and counting.
That is the number of days by which National Treasury has failed to submit its compulsory annual report.
Standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) chairperson and IFP MP Mkhuleko Hlengwa chided national Treasury officials for their late 2021/22 annual report amid disputes with the auditor-general’s (AG) office.
In addition, Treasury officials made another late submission to MPs on the department’s response on the non-tabling of the annual report on Tuesday.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and finance officials appeared before Scopa to explain the late tabling of the annual report, using a 5-page slide. Hlengwa said: “I will start off with a gripe first.
“We received your presentation mid-meeting (before 10am yesterday) having been notified last night at 6pm that we will receive it this morning.
“As a matter of principle, to receive documents late makes it impossible for members to prepare adequately. I don’t think it’s correct.”
Godongwana apologised for the late slides.
He agreed with Hlengwa that Treasury “should not lower the bar”.
Acting director-general Ismail Momoniat apologised for the late submissions. He said there were many reasons why there were delays in some governments, including disputes between the auditor-general and the department being audited.
“The process of auditing does allow for dispute resolution.
“We’re working feverishly with the AG’s team to try and resolve issues.
“All the issues are not yet resolved.”
Momoniat said Treasury had met the stipulated deadline of submitting financial statements on May 31.
He hinted at “disputes” in relation to new audit methodologies and long-standing and unresolved issues around the Integrated Financial Management System (IMFS) between the AG and the Treasury officials.
Public Service and Administration, Treasury and State Information Technology Agency were supposed to work on IMFS but the process was bogged down by inter-departmental “tensions” which should be resolved by this month, Godongwana said.
ANC MP Sakhumzi Somyo said it has been 32 days since Treasury failed to table the annual report.
EFF MP Ntombovuyo Mente labelled as “condescending” the five-page slides and lectured them on the processes of auditing.
Godongwana said Treasury would table after meeting with the AG.