Media Statement
10 October 2017
DIRCO’s Annual Report to Parliament shows significant improvements
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has today, 10 October 2017, presented its Annual Report to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation.
The report provides details of a number of significant improvements in the Department’s administrative and financial management which have led to the Auditor-General issuing an unqualified audit opinion.
In terms of the Programme of Action (PoA) for the Delivery Agreement for Outcome 11: Creating a Better South Africa and Contributing to a Better and Safer Africa in a Better World, the Department has actively participated in the International Cooperation, Trade and Security (ICTS) Cluster and consistently submitted quarterly reports to the Cluster as well as the Ministerial Implementation Forum.
The quarterly reports reflected the achievements and engagements of the Department at various levels. Reporting has been consistent, regular and of the required standard, giving effect to the progress made by the Department in carrying out its strategic mandate. There are various management structures and committees in place with the terms of reference and meet on a regular basis to contribute to good corporate governance.
The department also has fully functioning assurance structures such as Risk Management and Internal Audit. These structures are supported by the Risk Management Committee and Audit Committee, both chaired by independent (external) chairpersons.
“The Department is proud to report that both committees have contributed positively in achieving this substantial progress especially in the risk and audit management processes”, said Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
Having reviewed the Department’s implementation plan for audit issues raised in the previous year, the Auditor-General has expressed satisfaction that the matters have been adequately resolved.
The Auditor-General said: “The accounting officer [i.e., the Director-General of DIRCO] has made some progress in addressing the significant deficiencies in his oversight of financial and performance reporting, compliance and related internal controls.”
The Department is committed to continue to implement cost containment measures to realise savings for the funding of priority projects in line with the Medium Term Strategic Framework. However, the department remains vulnerable to foreign exchange volatility, which necessitates a review of how the foreign operations are supported with regard to financial instruments that are available for the Department to mitigate such in order to address future unauthorised expenditure that might occur.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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