Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

13 August, 2015

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) first education department in South Africa to achieve a clean audit.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

The Auditor General has presented the Western Cape Education Department with a clean audit for the 2014/2015 financial year.

The clean audit means the WCED's 2014/2015 financial statements were free from material misstatements and there were no material findings on reporting on performance objectives or non-compliance with legislation.

Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Finance, announced this morning that all 13 provincial departments received unqualified audit results, with 12 of the 13 receiving clean audits.

"I want to in particular join the Auditor General of South Africa in congratulating the Western Cape Department of Education for achieving a clean audit and becoming the first department of education in South Africa to do so."

"The clean audit outcome is the reflection of the leadership provided and the dedication of senior management and staff," said Penny Vinjevold, Head of Education in the Western Cape.

"Over the years the WCED ensured adequate implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and continuous improvement of internal and financial control. There have been consistent improvements in the WCED's audit outcomes over the years."

WCED Superintendent General (SG), Ms Penny Vinjevold said in 2013, the WCED established a new Internal Control Directorate, which, until April 2015, reported directly to the Head of Department.

"At its inception, the Internal Control Directorate was tasked with improving the application of internal controls which included payments processed by the Department accompanied by the diligent execution of roles and responsibilities of staff members which contributed significantly to achieving the Clean Audit status."

"Although the department achieved the Clean Audit status, the challenge now becomes to maintain it in financial years ahead as internal controls are each and every individual's responsibility and should be embedded in our culture."

This is an excellent achievement and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ms Vinjevold SG, Mr Ely (Chief Financial Officer) as well as their respective officials and teams and thank them for their hard work in ensuring that the Western Cape Education Department has come out on top.

Media enquiries:
Jessica Shelver
Spokesperson for the Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 076 175 0663