1. A SSOCIATION OF P UBLIC A CCOUNTS C OMMITTEES (APAC) Report on Implementation of SADCOPAC / EAAPAC Accountability Conference Resolutions 2013 Hon Peter Maloka APAC Treasurer SADCOPAC/EAAPAC CONFERENCE 13 May 2014

2. INTRODUCTION This is a report of APAC on the implementation of the SADCOPAC/EAAPAC Accountability Conference 2013 resolutions APAC is proud to inform conference that APAC has been able to deliver on these resolutions with the resources and time available All our 10 jurisdictions (National Assembly and nine provincial legislatures) have actively participated in the implementation of all these resolutions

3. FEEDBACK ON SADCOPAC/EAAPC RESOLUTIONS Resolution 1: 2013 SADCOPAC and EAAPAC to encourage PAC to put more emphasis on Public Procurement processes when exercising their oversight function. Implementation In South Africa PACs put more emphasis on public procurement processes when exercising oversight to ensure compliance with the Public Finance Management (PFMA)

4. FEEDBACK ON SADCOPAC/EAAPC RESOLUTIONS Resolution 2: 2013 PACs should engage Sector Committees of the House to jointly develop a structured formal working relationship amongst themselves geared towards ensuring that PAC/Parliamentary Resolutions are being implemented by the Executive. Implementation Chairpersons of Sector Committees/Portfolio Committees and other members are invited to PACs public hearings and visa versa. This is to ensure that information is shared by these parliamentary committees and to see to it that resolutions are implemented by the executive

5. FEEDBACK ON SADCOPAC/EAAPC RESOLUTIONS Resolution 3: 2014 SADCOPAC and EAAPAC urge PACs to continue supporting independence of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) as prescribed in the Lima and Mexico declaration on SAIs which are now recognized as part of the UN resolutions. Implementation In South Africa the SAI is established in terms of the constitution and reports directly to parliament. The SAI can hire its own staff and generate own income. (check constitution – statistically how many institutions are independent in Africa/east)????

6. FEEDBACK ON SADCOPAC/EAAPC RESOLUTIONS Resolution 4: 2013 PACs should continue supporting the strengthening of Internal Audit functions and enact legislation that grants independence to strengthen the function of Internal Control. Implementation In South Africa, there are two pieces of legislations, namely the Public Financial Management Act and Municipal Financial Management Act that are conclusive about the responsibilities and of internal audit PACs quarterly monitor the implementation of Internal Audit findings by the departments.

7. FEEDBACK ON SADCOPAC/EAAPC RESOLUTIONS Resolution 5: 2013 PACs should establish strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as SAIs, law enforcement agencies, media and the Civil Society to enhance accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. Implementation In South Africa, the National Parliament and provincial legislatures have regular interactions with the stakeholders. APAC hosted a national stakeholder engagement where all stakeholders were invited to share ideas on how to enhance accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. The provincial legislatures also had their own stakeholder engagement workshops

8. FEEDBACK ON SADCOPAC/EAAPC RESOLUTIONS Resolution 6: 2012 PACs Members should utilize their legislative powers and work towards introduction of appropriate laws that strengthen the position and powers of PAC and promote transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. Implementation In South Africa, all PACs are established in terms of the rules and orders of parliament and legislatures which are explicit on the powers, functions and mandates of these committees.

9. FEEDBACK ON SADCOPAC/EAAPC RESOLUTIONS Resolution 7: All jurisdictions should devise mechanisms to ensure the protection of individual officers that investigate corruption and fraud cases arising or unearthed from PAC hearings. Implementation There are pieces of legislation such as the criminal procedures act informed by the constitution which provide for the protection of witnesses

10. T HANK YOU