The Western Cape Provincial Treasury has earned its 11th consecutive unqualified audit opinion for the 2023/24 financial year, reflecting its ongoing commitment to sound financial management, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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Provincial Finance Minister Deidré Baartman tabled the department’s Annual Report before the Standing Committee on Finance, commending the Treasury for its prudent management of public resources despite financial constraints.
Minister Baartman praised the leadership of Julinda Gantana, the first woman to head the Provincial Treasury, highlighting her role in this achievement.
‘I commend Julinda Gantana and the entire Treasury team for their dedication. Our focus remains on supporting municipalities and provincial entities to ensure efficient service delivery and long-term sustainability for the benefit of residents,’ Baartman said.
Acknowledging the financial pressures faced by the department, Baartman emphasised that the Treasury had introduced innovative measures to address these challenges. ‘
Both the Provincial Revenue Fund and the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board also received unqualified audit opinions for the same period, further underscoring the department’s commitment to fiscal discipline.
‘The Provincial Treasury’s focus on sound financial management remains a cornerstone of the Western Cape Government’s success,’ Baartman noted.
‘This result underscores our commitment to good governance in a constrained environment and reflects the department’s consistent support to municipalities and provincial entities.’
A key focus for the Provincial Treasury in the 2023/24 financial year was helping municipalities improve their financial management.
The department provided hands-on support during audits and developed financial recovery plans for municipalities in distress, such as Beaufort West and Kannaland. Beaufort West, in particular, has shown early signs of financial recovery.
The Treasury also produced the Municipal Economic Review and Outlook (MERO) report, offering valuable data to guide municipal and provincial decision-making. Collaboration with municipal CFOs was strengthened through forums addressing fiscal challenges, while regular municipal performance assessments helped monitor budget implementation and service delivery progress.
Significant strides were made in modernising supply chain management (SCM) systems. The department introduced a new e-Procurement Solution, enabling electronic management of procurement processes across the Western Cape Government. The Treasury also compiled 53 SCM Insight performance reports and managed thousands of supplier interactions through its Procurement Client Centre and SCM Helpdesk.
Engagement with local governments was another priority. The department hosted the 10th Annual Smart Procurement Conference and a SCM-Local Economic Development Indaba, resolving 456 local government-related SCM queries. It also facilitated 10 Supplier Open Days across five municipal districts and completed 10 municipal procurement planning assessments.
The Provincial Treasury continues to invest in developing future financial professionals. In the past year, it awarded external bursaries to students pursuing finance, accounting, and related fields. Through the Chartered Accountants Academy, the department also provided accredited training to aspiring chartered accountants, contributing to the province’s skills pipeline.
With 11 consecutive unqualified audits under its belt, the Western Cape Treasury is setting a benchmark for responsible financial governance.
Minister Baartman concluded by affirming the department’s commitment to building financial sustainability across the province: ‘Our goal is to ensure that public funds are used effectively, allowing municipalities and departments to continue delivering essential services to the people of the Western Cape.’
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Picture: Western Cape Government
