Auditor General (AG) Tsakani Maluleke has revealed that almost R14 billion in material financial losses is unlikely to be recovered. These losses stem from 266 material irregularities involving non-compliance and suspected fraud within provincial and national government departments for the 2023 financial year.
During a briefing with the parliamentary press gallery, Maluleke reflected on her five-year tenure leading the country’s supreme audit institution. She emphasized that material irregularities continue to severely impact both service delivery and the nation’s finances.
When asked about the chances of recovery, Maluleke was blunt: “Most of it won’t be recovered. Many of these issues date back to 2019 or earlier, and with ongoing liquidations, recovering these funds is highly improbable.”
Despite the grim outlook, Maluleke noted that some accounting officers have successfully taken action, preventing up to R500 million in potential financial losses. However, the broader issue remains a significant burden on the country’s financial health.
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