14th consecutive clean audits.

Weskus Distrik is proud of its 14th consecutive clean audit from the Auditor General, a sterling performance. Chief Financial Officer Dr Johan Tesselaar provides context.

A March 2023 article published in BusinessTech headed ‘The best and worst-run municipalities in South Africa’ certainly puts Weskus Distrik’s performance in perspective.
The report looked at all of South Africa’s 257 municipalities, finding that only 34 municipalities achieved a clean bill of health (i.e. clean audit), 110 had unqualified findings, and 90 qualified with findings.

“An unqualified audit means that the financial statements are free from material misstatements and although there is reasonable accuracy, auditors do not guarantee 100% accuracy”.

“A qualified report with findings indicates that the financial statements contained material misstatements which were not corrected before the financial statements were published. The auditee also had challenges with the quality of the performance report, and / or compliance with legislation”.

Weskus Distrik is not boastful of its clean audit track record but is very aware of its importance at many levels:

• Investors and funders are encouraged to enter a region which is solid and committed to strong governance (which also indicates zero tolerance of corruption).
• A well-run municipality has a direct impact on service delivery, and this discourages social unrest which in turn, attracts investors and funders.
• An underrated factor involves a municipalities people. A performing municipality attracts and retains much-needed talent, while also motivating officials to sustain – and even lift – performance. It brings a competitive edge into a municipality.

“We are exceptionally proud of what the Weskus Distrik team has achieved. But we are very clear on what drives us and that is sustainable service delivery”.

Dr Johan Tesselaar
Chief Financial Officer
Weskus Distrik.