Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
School of Financial Sciences
Department of Auditing
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
In an effort to advance accountability and transparency, the Public Finance Management Act (in 2000) introduced a new format and content of public reports. National and provincial departments now have to publish balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements and explanatory notes to these statements. This underscores the Government's commitment to effective and accountable reporting and continuing improvement in reporting practices government-wide. It also heralds a move from the traditional cash basis of accounting to the accrual basis in the public sector. The Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) in co-operation with role-players such as the University has introduced the Annual Public Sector Reporting Awards, a research project whereby adherence to the new disclosure standards is measured and top achievers recognised. The Department of Auditing performs the quality assurance relating to the technical analysis and evaluation of the above project. Other supporters and participants in the project are the Accountant-General as well as the Auditor-General. Through its involvement in the awards project, the University discharges its social responsibilities by sharing its expertise with the broader community and the public sector in particular. The SAIGA Reporting Awards project produces twelve awards:
one for the best report of a national department
one for the best provincial department (for each of the nine provinces)
one for the most consistent highest score over the last three years
a twelfth award is made for the department obtaining the overall highest score.
This project is now in its sixth year and the publication of results is widely reported in the media. The project has become a highly visible instrument and benchmark to monitor public accountability and transparency in national and provincial departments.
Contact person: Prof JD Gloeck.
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