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The Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament on Thursday welcomed Parliament’s clean audit opinion for the 2024/25 financial year.
 
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and the Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, tabled the 2024/25 Annual Report before the committee, while a representative from the Office of the Auditor-General presented the audit report findings.
 
The committee commended the institution’s consistent record of sound financial management, transparency and accountability. Parliament has achieved its 11th successive clean audit, with 80% of targets achieved. This audit outcome is the result of actions taken, over several years, to strengthen financial management capacity and the control environment, the committee heard.
 
Co-Chairperson of the committee, Ms Sanny Ndhlovu, said the committee was encouraged by the steady progress reflected in Parliament’s current performance trajectory. “This achievement demonstrates Parliament’s commitment to maintaining good governance and strong financial discipline. It is a testament to the dedication of the institution’s leadership and staff, and we appreciate the continued improvement shown over recent years,” she said.
 
The Speaker emphasised that the report covers both the final quarter of the Sixth Parliament and the transition to the Seventh Parliament, and captures how the institution managed the transition with the onboarding of new Members of Parliament and the development of a new strategic plan. “The report illustrates how Parliament has continued to address priorities from the Sixth Parliament while integrating lessons and areas for improvement identified for the Seventh,” she said, adding that the clean audit reaffirms Parliament’s commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds.
 
While the AGSA commended Parliament for its clean audit, it made several recommendations. It urged management to continue to exercise vigilance and maintain strong oversight and governance mechanisms that are critical to sustaining clean administration and good governance. Among the recommendations are that the institution’s management should enhance monitoring of the rebuilding project managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) until its formal transfer to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
 
The AGSA also underscored the important role of Parliament’s audit and internal audit committees, as they provide independent assurance to the committee and ensure accountability in the institution.
 
Ms Ndhlovu said the committee supports these recommendations and will continue to exercise rigorous oversight. “Parliament’s clean audit is not the end point but a benchmark to maintain. Our focus is on strengthening internal controls, enhancing transparency and ensuring that every rand spent serves the public interest,” she said.

Issued by the Parliamentary Services on behalf of the Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament, Soviet Lekganyane and Sanny Ndhlovu