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Private investigator unpacks politics with coffee, clowns and conspiracies
Private investigator unpacks politics with coffee, clowns and conspiracies

The Citizen

time2 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Citizen

Private investigator unpacks politics with coffee, clowns and conspiracies

When Mbaks storms in with a secret mission, Falcon realises this job might need more than just Buffelsfontein and sarcasm. I hear the click-click of the sequinned high-heels on the parquet floor long before Gloria's ample prow heaves into view as she turns into my office. She is carrying my coffee, in a plain white mug with a DA logo on it. Am I a DA supporter? Hell no! They ask too many questions and demand too much in the way of results… but it's nice to see people's eyebrows shoot up when they spy the mug. If nothing else, it's a conversation starter – even with those people who would rather chew glass than utter the word 'DA'… My coffee is just the way I like it: strong, sweet and black. Like my women, I had told Gloria, shortly after I hired her… mainly to put her at ease that my taste doesn't run to big-bosomed meisies from the platteland. ALSO READ: Mkhwanazi plays by his own rules Gloria is not the sort of name you'd expect from a girl from the Free State, but she explained that Laura Branigan's song Gloria was playing in the maternity ward in the Bothaville hospital as she popped out, one bright morning in the 1980s… My name is Dick, by the way. Dick Falcon. My friends called me 'Maltese' after the book. I've never read it – books are for losers – but I am a private investigator. And, like all private investigators, I like a bit of the strong stuff. Nah – not bourbon… this is Sandton, not New Orleans, after all. I add a little slug of Buffelsfontein Brandewyn into the brew. I find it helps me cope with some of the clowns I deal with on a daily basis. Besides, I like being a rowwe bliksem (rough bugger) as they say in their ads. Talking about clowns, I hear a commotion in the hallway outside and then a man with a false orange beard, sunglasses and a blonde wig under a MAGA cap bursts into the office. ALSO READ: If it ain't broke, break it anyway Behind him, also in sunglasses and clearly packing heat, are the heavies in black suits. 'Morning, Mbaks!' I shout, 'How the hell are you?' He is taken aback: 'Wow! How do you know who I am? I am disguised.' 'I'm an investigator, after all, comrade, and I see things others don't.' I don't have the heart to tell him that the sirens, blue lights and 17 BMW X5s clogging the street below were a small hint. ALSO READ: DA threatens to exit GNU over Whitfield's firing 'We have a problem,' he says, coming straight to the point. 'That's what I'm here for,' I reply, thinking about the fat tender I had landed for investigative services for the ANC, paid for out of a secret state security slush fund. It had only cost me one Maserati and a small deposit on a house in Zimbali… but I was quite surprised that, after all these years, they still didn't know how to game the Public Finance Management Act. Clearly missing the Guptas… 'There are people plotting a coop,' he says. 'Must be stool pigeons,' I reply but the quip, like the birds, flies over his head. I look at him in the sunglasses: 'Why would anyone want to overthrow a glorious revolutionary movement?' ALSO READ: 'It's time to eat, comrades!': When the struggle becomes a buffet for the powerful Sarcasm is not Mbaks' strength, so he continues: 'We think Mkhwanazi is an agent of the imperialist powers…' He looks at me (I think, but I'm not sure): 'You must take care of him for us…' I think about the Smith and Wesson .38 revolver in my bottom desk drawer. Six slugs up against the KZN cop's trained special task force operators with their body armour and assault rifles? I don't think so. There is only one option: time to say so long and thanks for all the fish (from another book I've never read)… and a quick exit stage left to my villa in Mauritius. 'Anyone for a cup of coffee?' NOW READ: It's all a load of Blue Bull

Transport minister dissolves RAF board
Transport minister dissolves RAF board

The Herald

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • The Herald

Transport minister dissolves RAF board

Transport minister Barbara Creecy has dissolved the board of directors of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) after ongoing governance and operational challenges that have severely hampered the agency's ability to fulfil its statutory mandate. According to the department, on June 5, Creecy issued letters to the 11 members of the board, allowing them to make representations regarding her intention to dissolve the board due to their failure to discharge their fiduciary duties effectively. National department of transport spokesperson Collen Msibi said the representations were received and considered. 'Consequently, the board has been dissolved. A submission has been prepared requesting the minister of finance to appoint an interim functionary as accounting authority in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act. The proposed appointment is intended to prevent a governance vacuum while a new board is being constituted,' Msibi said. Msibi said the governance challenges in the agency and concerns that were confirmed through internal oversight and regulatory engagements include the protracted and costly litigation pursued by the RAF on the application of accounting standards, which has resulted in further strain on the entity's financial resources and capacity. 'The inconsistent and, at times, reckless handling of the suspension of the CEO that attracted a legal challenge and institutional uncertainty. The frequent incurrence of default judgments against the RAF, worsening its contingent liabilities and weakening its financial sustainability. Deep divisions within the board itself, evidenced by most resolutions being passed through the use of casting votes, rather than consensus, reflecting a lack of cohesion in critical decision-making processes,' Msibi said. He said this also included the failure by the board to fill at least two critical executive positions a chief claims officer and the head of legal. According to Msibi, this had resulted in the loss of confidence in the board's ability to run the entity effectively. Msibi said a draft public advertisement has been prepared to commence the process of appointing a new board, ensuring transparent and merit-based selection in line with applicable legislation. 'To support the development of a sustainable operational and governance model, the minister has initiated the appointment of a panel of independent experts to review the RAF's business processes and propose actionable recommendations. Members of the panel will be announced in due course. 'Furthermore, a request has been made to the SIU to establish if the current investigation under Proclamation 44 of 2024 covers the events of the past three months and, if not, formally request the expansion of the scope to cover these events. The response from the SIU in this regard is eagerly awaited,' he said. Creecy has emphasised her department's intent to finalise the road accident benefit scheme bill, which will introduce a no-fault system to make it easier for road accident victims to access the benefits without costly legal bills. TimesLIVE

Transport minister dissolves RAF board
Transport minister dissolves RAF board

TimesLIVE

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • TimesLIVE

Transport minister dissolves RAF board

Transport minister Barbara Creecy has dissolved the board of directors of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) after ongoing governance and operational challenges that have severely hampered the agency's ability to fulfil its statutory mandate. According to the department, on June 5, Creecy issued letters to the 11 members of the board, allowing them to make representations regarding her intention to dissolve the board due to their failure to discharge their fiduciary duties effectively. National department of transport spokesperson Collen Msibi said the representations were received and considered. 'Consequently, the board has been dissolved. A submission has been prepared requesting the minister of finance to appoint an interim functionary as accounting authority in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act. The proposed appointment is intended to prevent a governance vacuum while a new board is being constituted,' Msibi said. Msibi said the governance challenges in the agency and concerns that were confirmed through internal oversight and regulatory engagements include the protracted and costly litigation pursued by the RAF on the application of accounting standards, which has resulted in further strain on the entity's financial resources and capacity. 'The inconsistent and, at times, reckless handling of the suspension of the CEO that attracted a legal challenge and institutional uncertainty. The frequent incurrence of default judgments against the RAF, worsening its contingent liabilities and weakening its financial sustainability. Deep divisions within the board itself, evidenced by most resolutions being passed through the use of casting votes, rather than consensus, reflecting a lack of cohesion in critical decision-making processes,' Msibi said. He said this also included the failure by the board to fill at least two critical executive positions a chief claims officer and the head of legal. According to Msibi, this had resulted in the loss of confidence in the board's ability to run the entity effectively. Msibi said a draft public advertisement has been prepared to commence the process of appointing a new board, ensuring transparent and merit-based selection in line with applicable legislation. 'To support the development of a sustainable operational and governance model, the minister has initiated the appointment of a panel of independent experts to review the RAF's business processes and propose actionable recommendations. Members of the panel will be announced in due course. 'Furthermore, a request has been made to the SIU to establish if the current investigation under Proclamation 44 of 2024 covers the events of the past three months and, if not, formally request the expansion of the scope to cover these events. The response from the SIU in this regard is eagerly awaited,' he said. Creecy has emphasised her department's intent to finalise the road accident benefit scheme bill, which will introduce a no-fault system to make it easier for road accident victims to access the benefits without costly legal bills.

Special Emfuleni/Rand Water project approved by Council
Special Emfuleni/Rand Water project approved by Council

The Citizen

time11-07-2025

  • Business
  • The Citizen

Special Emfuleni/Rand Water project approved by Council

This will see a new company (known as the Special Purpose Vehicle between Rand Water and the Emfuleni Municipality) manage water and sanitation under a new CEO and new brand, and will incorporate all present Metsi municipal workers. The SPV is the brainchild of ELM Manager April Ntuli. The ELM/Rand Water SPV is on a 70/30 percent basis, with Rand Water the major partner. But the SPV will only be launched after specific financial and funding provisions have been addressed, especially in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Both ELM and Rand Water have expressed the desire to professionalise and corporatise water services that will provide a long-term solution to the endemic infrastructure decay, massive leakages in potable water and estimation billing which have plagued the municipality for years. In Council, the Freedom Front Plus abstained from the SPV approval vote. The Democratic Alliance (DA) voted for it, but with conditions relating to the comprehensive submission of key documents within 60 days on issues such as a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Service Delivery Agreement, Asset Transfer Agreement and including a Debt Assignment Agreement. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Development budget: Finance Division unveils strategy for release of funds
Development budget: Finance Division unveils strategy for release of funds

Business Recorder

time11-07-2025

  • Business
  • Business Recorder

Development budget: Finance Division unveils strategy for release of funds

ISLAMABAD: Finance Division unveiled the strategy for release of funds for development and recurrent budget for fiscal year 2025-26, adding that all releases shall be subject to availability of fiscal space. The Division issued an office memorandum (OM) which stated that the funds release strategy for development budget for fiscal year 2025-26 is being issued for implementation with immediate effect and till further orders. Funds for development budget shall be authorised by the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (PD&SI) Division out of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation for fiscal year 2025-26 for approved projects at 15 percent for Quarter 1, 20 percent for Quarter 2, 25 percent for Quarter 3, and 40 percent for Quarter 4. Employees-related expenditures (ERE) and pension payments at 25 percent for each quarter. Non-employee related expenditures (Non-ERE) at 15 percent for Quarter 1, 25 percent for Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 each, and 35 percent for Quarter 4. Rent of office and residential buildings, commuted value of pension, encashment of LPR and PM Assistance Packages at 45 percent during 1st half of current fiscal year and 55 percent in 2nd half. Austerity plan: Finance Division bans vehicle purchases, new posts Allocated funds for recurrent budget shall be released for fiscal year 2025-26 by Finance Division under demands for grants and appropriations at 20 percent for Quarter 1, 25 percent for Quarter 2 and quarter 3 each, and 30 percent for Quarter 4. Notwithstanding anything contained in this strategy, all releases shall be subject to availability of fiscal space, it added. While executing development projects, PD&SI Division and PAOs concerned shall ensure adherence to provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, 2019. PD&SI Division shall devise a quarterly sector/project/division-wise strategy for release of PSDP funds within the approved appropriations. Any proposal for change to the quarterly limits prescribed at i. above shall be considered by budget wing, Finance Division on case-to-case basis and shall require prior approval of finance secretary. The strategy noted that release of funds for approved projects in the demand for grants and appropriations shall be made by PAOs in each quarter as authorised by the PD&SI Division within the above limits. PAOs shall ensure availability of sufficient funds for employee-related expenses for each project. PAOs/Heads of attached departments/heads of sub-ordinate offices/project directors shall not re-appropriate funds from employee related expenditures to non-employee related expenditures (heads of account) except with prior concurrence of PD&SI Division. Adequate budgetary allocations on account of foreign exchange component (rupee cover) shall be ensured by all PAOs and conveyed to PD&SI Division, Economic Affairs Division and Finance Division. Funds for foreign exchange payments shall require prior approval of External Finance Wing, Finance Division. All payments shall be made through the pre-audit system or through the Assignment Account Procedure, or any other procedure issued by Finance Division from time to time. A separate Assignment Account shall be opened for each project. No direct payment through SBP shall be made except with prior approval of finance secretary as per Rules 3(9) and (10) of the Cash Management & Treasury Single Account Rules, 2024. Instructions with regard to supplementary grants, technical supplementary grants and re-appropriation of funds shall be issued by Budget Wing, Finance Division separately. There shall be no requirement of ways and means clearance from Budget Wing, Finance Division for the release of development budget. No payment shall be made over and above the limits by any accounting office except with prior written approval of Finance Division; and Development Wing, Finance Division shall coordinate and oversee matters relating to the release of funds for the development budget and other ancillary matters. The Finance Division shall release subsidies, grants and lending on case-by-case basis. Cases of international and domestic contractual obligations and obligatory payments beyond the above prescribed limits shall be considered on case-by-case basis by Finance Division; and PAOs/Heads of Attached Departments/Heads of Subordinate Offices shall not make re-appropriation of allocated funds from ERE to Non-ERE without prior concurrence of Finance Division. The PAOs have been provided additional funds to meet funding requirements of Ad-hoc Relief Allowance 2025 announced in the budget under a separate cost centre. The Finance Division shall release 100 per cent of these funds in Quarter 3. The PAOs are advised to re-appropriate these funds, if needed, in consultation with Expenditure Wing, Finance Division. Guidelines and instructions below shall be strictly adhered to: Grants-in-Aid: i. Funds released under para 2 to autonomous bodies, authorities, commissions etc. shall be subject to following conditions: a. PAOs shall ensure approval of annual budgets of autonomous bodies/authorities/ commissions/funds/boards etc by competent authority under respective statutes, rules or regulations; and b. A certificate to the effect of such approval shall be communicated to Expenditure Wing, Finance Division. Autonomous bodies/authorities/commissions/funds/boards etc. shall provide budget information on detailed object-wise classification along with their receipts. PAOs must ensure adherence to the Grants-in-Aid Rules, 2025. Adequate allocation of funds may be made for meeting expenses of autonomous bodies/authorities/commissions/funds/boards etc. Allocation and disbursement of funds to public and private entities shall be linked to outputs, outcomes and performance; and Grants-in-Aid shall be considered non-recurring and funds shall be disbursed only to meet any justified shortfall for a limited time. Grants and Subsidies: Grants and subsidies shall be processed by relevant wings of Finance Division in consultation with Budget Wing. PAOs shall prepare quarterly funds requirement/cash plan for subsidies within and communicate the same to relevant wings of Finance Division before start of each quarter. For release of funds as per approved cash plan, PAOs shall approach the relevant Wings of Finance Division. The release shall be made with concurrence of Budget Wing. Any deviation from the approved cash plan, shall also be submitted, in consultation with Budget Wing, for approval of Finance Secretary. Sanction of expenditure for subsidies by the PAOs shall be granted with prior concurrence of Expenditure Wing and copies will be sent to Budget Wing, AGPR and all concerned. PAOs shall approach Expenditure Wing, Finance Division, for release of funds for grants. Lending: Disbursement of funds on account of loans and advances and investments shall be subject to the condition that all due repayments to the Federal Government have been made as per schedule/maturities. In case, due repayments have not been made, relevant Wing of Finance Division shall ensure at source deductions; and Release shall be made with the approval of Finance Secretary. Sanction letter shall be issued to AGPR with a copy to Budget Wing. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

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