By David Masango

CABINET has noted the progress in strengthening financial accountability within national and provincial departments in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The Act aims to regulate financial management in both the national and provincial government departments and to ensure that all revenues, expenditure, assets and liabilities of those departments are managed effectively and efficiently.

The PFMA also provides for the responsibilities for people entrusted with financial management in those government departments and matters connected therewith. Cabinet also expressed the need to strengthen, in a number of establishments, the areas of asset management, transfer payments and internal audit functions, said government spokesperson Joel Netshitenzhe after the meeting.

"It also resolved to work with public entities and local government structures to improve compliance with auditing requirements," said government spokesperson Joel Netshitenzhe.

The Auditor-General also briefed the meeting on the outcome of the audit of government institutions for the 2003/04 financial year. "Cabinet expressed its appreciation of the support by the Auditor-General's Office in improving democratic governance, and of the work being done in the Office, including training, to transform the institution," said Netshitenzhe.
Source: Buanews