22 May 2025

The ANC Study Group on Standing Committee on Auditor-General (SCOAG) welcomes the statement issued by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) on 19 May 2025 regarding its decision to address the concerns raised by the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) through the regular annual audits under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) for the 2024-25 financial year.

We are vindicated by AGSA’s prudent approach, which aligns with our earlier position that the MKP’s request for a special investigation into the expenditure related to the postponement of the 2025 national budget speech was not only frivolous, but unwarranted and would have resulted in unnecessary costs to the organs of state. The AGSA’s decision to utilize its regular audit processes ensures that governance and accountability are upheld without incurring fruitless expenditure.

The AGSA’s reliance on its constitutional mandate, as outlined in Section 5(1)(d) of the Public Audit Act (PAA), demonstrates its commitment to fairness, transparency, and optimal resource utilization. Section 5(1) of the PAA empowers the AGSA to conduct investigations or special audits if deemed in the public interest or upon receipt of a complaint or request. However, this power is discretionary and must be exercised judiciously, as AGSA has done in this instance.

We commend the AGSA for its decision to address the matter through its annual audits, which will ensure that any material findings are disclosed in the relevant audit reports tabled in Parliament. This approach reinforces the AGSA’s role as an independent auditor and upholds its constitutional mandate without fear, favour, or prejudice. Perhaps the MKP should consider focusing its energy on constructive contributions to Parliament rather than engaging in political posturing that serves no public interest.

As the ANC Study Group on SCOAG, we remain committed to supporting the AGSA in its efforts to promote good governance and accountability across public institutions. We trust that the AGSA will continue to exercise its discretion responsibly and in the best interest of the public.

Issued by Whip of the ANC Study Group on Standing Committee on Auditor-General (SCOAG), Cde Imraan Subrathie

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