Protector's problems resolved

2010-05-28 08:10

Cape Town - Auditor General Terence Nombembe was satisfied with Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's plan and its execution to correct problems in her office, she said on Thursday.

Madonsela's office said in a statement she had noted weekend media reports following the appearance of her office before Parliament's public accounts committee (Scopa) last Friday in connection with the office's 2008/09 annual report.

"The Public Protector regrets the insinuation that the appearance before Scopa and issues raised relate to the current state of affairs in her office.

"She would like to place on record that the Scopa hearing and issues raised relate to a period ending March 2009, which was long before her appointment."

Concerns

The concerns included failure to manage the R10m European Union fund by three Chapter Nine institutions, namely the Public Protector, SA Human Rights Commission, and the Commission on Gender Equality.

The statement said: "The Public Protector wishes to state that the institution has been working closely with the Auditor General (AG) to address matters raised by the AG in the said annual report and that the AG has expressed satisfaction with the plan and its execution," the statement said.

Among other measures taken to address these concerns, assets were counted and verified; they were assessed and the useful life reviewed and they were re-classified according to finance and operating leases. Depreciation was calculated accordingly.

Interaction with the public works department resulted in quantifying the debt owed to it and a process was underway to pay.

The Public Protector said as a public sector watchdog institution it remained committed to promoting a culture of accountability and integrity in state affairs and as such strongly believed in leading by example.

- SAPA