By: Matshidiso Selebeleng

Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) MEC Ketso Makume’s strong leadership and sound financial management have steered the department on an upward trajectory with strong and sound financial management.

Building on the department’s unqualified audit outcome for the 2022/23 financial year - an improvement from the qualified audit opinion received the previous year - Makume secured a clean audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) for the 2024/25 financial year.

The AGSA report confirms that the Department’s financial statements are free from material misstatements and that its performance reporting and compliance controls meet the highest standards.

According to Makume, the continued improvement in the department’s financial records reflects the high level of excellence and professionalism demonstrated by all staff members, from cleaners to the head of the department.

He said meeting the standards of AGSA clearly shows that the department developed and rigorously implemented action plans to address the deficiencies identified in previous years’ audits.

“I would like to congratulate the team for their sterling work in ensuring that we spend the money entrusted to us by the people of the Free State in a prudent and responsible manner. Meeting AGSA’s standards demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement,” he enthused.

Makume further emphasised that the department will enhance its support to its entities, the Free State Development Corporation (FDC) and Free State Gambling, Liquor & Tourism Authority (FSGLTA), to ensure that they also achieve improved audit outcomes.