Latest news with #RikusBadenhorst
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Select Committee on Public Infrastructure Is Briefed by Auditor-General
The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Ministries in the Presidency received a briefing from the Auditor-General (AG) of South Africa on the audit outcomes for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Brand SA and Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The committee expressed serious concerns about the mixed performance of these critical government institutions that report to the department. Committee Chairperson Mr Rikus Badenhorst noted that while Brand SA maintained its clean audit status, the regression in the DPME's audit outcome from clean to unqualified with findings, as well as the persistent material findings at Stats SA, point to systemic weaknesses in expenditure management, internal controls and consequence management across the portfolio. "What emerges most clearly from the Auditor-General's presentation is a culture of stagnation. Recommendations are noted but not acted upon, plans are drafted but not internalised, and repeat findings accumulate without resolution. We cannot allow inaction to become institutionalised," said Mr Badenhorst. The committee was particularly concerned about the significant backlog of unresolved irregular and fruitless expenditure cases at Stats SA, some dating back over a decade. Members of the committee argued that the vacancies in key positions, including the CFO role which has been vacant for eight years, have severely weakened the control environment and accountability mechanisms at the entity. The committee said the credibility of the data and statistics produced by Stats SA is critical for effective government planning and service delivery. The persistence of these governance and financial management failures is deeply troubling and requires urgent intervention. The committee welcomed the Auditor General's recommendations for the accounting officers, including: - Ensuring vacant positions are timeously filled to maintain effective internal controls - Enhancing reviews of performance planning and reporting processes - Swiftly resolving all cases of irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure - Monitoring the implementation of action plans with a focus on daily controls and reconciliations Members emphasised the need for the executive authority and accounting officers to be held accountable for addressing these persistent weaknesses. The committee committed to regularly engage the DPME, Brand SA and Stats SA to monitor progress on implementing the AG's recommendations and achieving tangible improvements in audit outcomes, performance and accountability. 'This report must be our guide when we engage these departments during the upcoming budget process. We cannot allow inaction to become institutionalised. The people of South Africa deserve efficient, transparent and accountable public institutions that deliver on their developmental mandate,' concluded Mr Badenhorst. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Select Committee Considers Negotiating Mandates on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness Bill
The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Ministries in the Presidency met yesterday to consider the negotiating mandates from the nine provincial legislatures on the Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation Bill [B10-2022]. The committee said it is pleased to receive the inputs and proposals from the provinces, which demonstrated the high level of public participation and engagement in the legislative process. The committee also appreciated the constructive contributions made by the provinces and the Department of Transport in working towards finalising this important piece of legislation. Through robust discussions and deliberations, the committee identified areas of convergence between the provinces and the department. The committee is confident that the technical amendments and clarifications proposed will strengthen the bill and ensure it is fit for purpose in protecting South Africa's marine environment. The committee will reconvene next week to consider the consolidated list of proposed amendments, known as the C-list, which will be developed through a collaborative process between the department, parliamentary legal advisors and committee support staff. This will then form the basis for the final D-list that will be presented to the provinces for their consideration and support. Committee Chairperson Mr Rikus Badenhorst said, 'The committee remains committed in fulfilling its respective role and ensuring the timely finalisation of the Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation Bill in order to enhance the country's state of readiness and response capability in the event of a marine oil spill incident.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Select Committee Engages With Stakeholders on Marine Oil Pollution Bill
The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency heard joint oral submissions from stakeholders on the Marine Oil Pollution (Preparedness, Response and Cooperation) Bill [B10-2022]. The bill aims to incorporate the provisions of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC) into South African law. As a party to the OPRC Convention, South Africa is required to adopt measures to prepare for and respond to potential oil spills in the country's maritime domain. Committee Chairperson Mr Rikus Badenhorst said combatting marine oil pollution is not only an environmental concern, it is also an economic, social and legal imperative. The destruction of marine habitats, the violation of environmental rights and the significant threats to livelihoods, particularly those dependent on the ocean economy, demand decisive legislative action. 'As outlined in the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC), to which South Africa is a party, we have a duty to ensure that our legislative framework adequately provides for prevention, response and accountability in cases of marine oil pollution,' said Mr Badenhorst. The committee was of the view that the presentations and submissions received reaffirmed the urgency of strengthening South Africa's legislative framework for marine oil pollution prevention and response. Key insights were shared by organisations such as the Biodiversity Law Centre, SANCCOB [Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds], BirdLife South Africa, the Green Connection, and Natural Justice. The stakeholders raised issues around delays in coordination between agencies and government officials during oil spill incidents, which allow the pollution to continue unabated. They also stressed the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge and ensuring transparent and accessible compensation mechanisms for affected communities. Members of the committee picked up on the issue raised by stakeholders about the importance of including traditional healers in the discussions. The committee said traditional healers have a deep connection to the ocean and as custodians of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship cannot be overlooked. Engaging these communities is essential for holistic and effective marine resource management. The bill is currently in the provinces for the public participation process. The Department of Transport provided a detailed responses to the stakeholder submissions, highlighting existing mechanisms and measures in place to address marine pollution, including the standby tug vessels patrolling the coastline and the country's membership of international treaties, such as the OPRC. Mr Badenhorst said that as the committee continues its oversight role, members will remain vigilant in monitoring the implementation of the bill once it is enacted. 'We are committed to ensuring that the necessary regulations are promulgated without delay and that our collective responsibility to safeguard our marine resources is upheld,' he said. 'The ongoing work to refine this bill must ensure that it is practical, enforceable and adequately resourced to fulfill its objectives effectively. We emphasise the importance of empowering relevant authorities, including the South African Maritime Safety Authority, and engaging coastal communities and small-scale fishers in decision-making and response efforts,' added Mr Badenhorst. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
