KZN MEC for Finance Ravi Pillay said this has been made necessary after they became “acutely aware of the risks that are already manifesting themselves”. Risks such as the 'possible purchase of items not related to Covid-19 have been identified'.
Durban – The KwaZulu-Natal finance department, the “custodian of the public purse” in the province, says it is closely monitoring the expenditure of all provincial departments in order to ensure that the Covid-19 emergency regulations are not abused.
He did not specify what exactly they have detected, but went on to say they will undertake the training of supply chain management to ensure that departments can procure commodities on an emergency basis in line with the emergency procurement regulations, without compromising on quality, specifications and value for money.
"Risks such as the possible purchase of items not related to Covid-19 while using the emergency procurement regulations and instruction notes have been identified,” he said. It was followed by the department of social development, which had spent R51 million, followed by the department of education, which had spent R35 million.
“These investigations are very costly and had created serious financial pressures for the unit. During the 2017/2018 financial year, a strategic decision was taken to direct all local government institutions and public entities to fund their investigations, disciplinary hearings and criminal investigations themselves.
“The majority of investigation requests relate to supply chain management irregularities and/or fraud. Approximately 83% of the investigation requests received were investigated and completed.
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