EZULWINI – Delegates from different African countries began the SADCOPAC Conference by sharing the success stories and challenges faced by their public accounts committees in ensuring oversight for public funds.
This marked the first day of the 18th Annual Conference and 22nd Annual General Meeting of the SADC Organisation of Public Accounts Committees, which is being held at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini.
The official opening was marked by a keynote address by the Senate President of the Parliament of Eswatini, Senator Lindiwe Dlamini who encouraged delegates to ensure that government funds are made to undergo public scrutiny.
Dlamini said the work of PACs remains essential because controlling officers have a legal and ethical obligation to account for public resources and demonstrate how government funds were being used.
Also speaking at the ceremony was the Secretary General of SADCOPAC, Eswatini Parliament Deputy Speaker, Madala Mhlanga who said oversight institutions could no longer afford to wait for audit reports, scandals or financial losses before taking action.
There were also messages of support from different SADC and African organisations and institutions which are involved in public funds oversight.
After the opening ceremony, the delegates were divided into three commissions, whereby they deliberated on how their countries ensure that public funds are protected and there is accountability.
For example, delegates from Mauritius shared how government financial activities generate enormous amounts of data budgeting, procurement, payments, payroll, revenue collection and project implementation.
The delegates shared how the Mauritius Government is now making use of what is known as e-Procurement System.
This, it was stated, is now the channel for public tenders, bid evaluation and award notices across public bodies with an inbuilt audit trail.
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