KZN DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMENDED FOR STRENGTHENING FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

By DSD Reporter.

• The Department of Social Development (DSD) was commended by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) for its effective turnaround strategy and enhancements in financial governance.
• MEC Shinga announced that the department obtained an unqualified audit opinion in the past financial year.
• The department formally introduced Mr Onkemetse Edwin Kabasia as the new Head of Department to strengthen operational leadership.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development (DSD), under the leadership of MEC Mbali Shinga, continues to demonstrate its commitment to prudent financial management and accountability. This was evident during the department’s presentation to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), where its progress in improving governance and financial oversight was commended.

SCOPA Chairperson Honourable Tim Brauteseth applauded the department for implementing a robust turnaround strategy that has addressed previous financial challenges and enhanced operational efficiency. “The Department of Social Development has demonstrated commendable progress in stabilising its operations and addressing past challenges. The improvements we are seeing today are a direct result of strong leadership, accountability, and a genuine commitment to change,” he said.

The Committee commended the department’s prompt resolution of irregular expenditure and compliance with the Auditor-General directives, highlighting its commitment to transparency and effective management.

MEC Shinga welcomed the Committee’s positive feedback, noting that it validates the department’s drive for accountability and excellence. “We appreciate SCOPA’s feedback. It reaffirms our efforts to strengthen internal controls, improve compliance, and build a culture of accountability, which are yielding results. A major milestone for the department has been obtaining an unqualified audit opinion in the past financial year, which reflects the hard work of our officials,” she said.
During the session, MEC Shinga introduced Mr Onkemetse Edwin Kabasia, the new Head of Department, and expressed confidence in his ability to further enhance the department’s capacity to deliver its mandate.

She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring financial prudence leads to improved service delivery for KwaZulu-Natal’s most vulnerable citizens.