Hon Speaker, the portfolio committee was happy with the performance of the Department of Social Development, especially with the fact that the SA Social Security Agency, Sassa, received an unqualified report, although there were a few concerns that the committee raised.
In terms of the recommendations and the issue of dual accountability between the Department of Social Development and especially that of the SA Social Security Agency, we felt that that should be addressed. That would clarify the problem of accountability of the flow of funds between Sassa and the Department of Social Development.
We also felt that it was prudent that the audit committees of Sassa and Social Development meet on a regular basis to look at enhancing financial management, and also with regard to the monitoring function that Social Development has over Sassa.
The other concern that the committee raised, which we felt should be recommended to Parliament - was that although the consultants Sassa employed to tighten financial management controls within Sassa obviously had a good result in getting an unqualified audit - there should be a skills transfer in terms of financial management from the consultants to the officials that are going to do the functions once the consultants have left. That will ensure that in terms of the money that has been paid that Sassa will get value for money.
In terms of the work that the Special Investigating Unit is doing, we feel the R3 million that is being paid by Sassa to the SIU on a monthly basis is too high, and that a financial inspectorate should be established within Sassa to take over that function. This is so that that function happens in- house and not contracted out. The establishment of a financial inspectorate is actually accommodated in the Social Assistance Act of 2004. Thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.