The Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu has reported to the Portfolio Committee of Tourism today that the Department has responded to 60% (70 cases) of the findings by the Auditor General. Minister Sisulu reported to the Committee that 29% (34 cases) of the findings are partially completed and in progress while on 11% the department has indicated when those will be completed.
The Portfolio Committee appreciated the minister’s positive engagement with regards to issues raised by the the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) on audit outcomes for 2020/21 financial year. On the investigation being conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) the Committee has requested that quarterly reports be made available.
In November, the Minister received the Auditor General’s report on the performance of the Department of Tourism in the 2020/21 financial year. The department received an unqualified audit opinion, whist SA Tourism (SAT) which is an entity of the department received a qualified audit opinion.
The AG’s office in briefing Committee Members in November highlighted that the department’s overall audit outcomes have regressed from the prior year. The AG’s office had recommended that the department implement consequence management for supply chain management transgressions and investigate the exceptions reported in the Tour Guide Fund.
The Minister today reported that she has taken steps to conduct investigations as recommended by the Portfolio Committee. Sisulu that some officials are facing consequence management and a report will be tabled to the Committee in March.
Issued by Ministry of Tourism
Steve Motale
Cell: 083 784 0719
Mpumzi Zuzile
MLO
Cell: 072 550 9019