The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has welcomed general progress in meeting performance targets during the 2022/23 financial year but called for enhanced focus on key pillars, including the long queues and the modernisation programme. The committee today received progress reports on the implementation of the 2022/23 Annual Performance Plan and, while generally satisfied with the work done, has called for refocus on identified areas of weakness.
While the committee commends the improvement in targets achieved for the financial year, it was concerned that some of the areas identified by the Auditor-General as lacking tangible progress include critical targets such as the implementation of the audit action plan, lack of measures to address material non-compliance on revenue management relating to collection of fines, which has been a longstanding issue, and delays in implementing the Department of Home Affairs’ modernisation project.
DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
The committee commended the achievement
of 71% of the planned targets, especially the upward trajectory in meeting targets. The committee reiterated that effective planning and monitoring are the foundation of effective organisations that reach their targets. The committee called on the department to strengthen its performance monitoring to ensure that targets achieved are commensurate with resources spent.
The department’s unqualified audit opinion was also commended but the committee called for the implementation of the audit action plan to be improved to avoid recurrence of findings. A key remedy, the committee believes, is the effective implementation of an in-year monitoring and review process with the Auditor-General to ensure weaknesses are diagnosed early and areas of concern are remedied proactively.
The committee remains concerned about the delays in the roll-out of the automated biometric identification system, which when fully implemented will have a positive impact on not only the department’s services but also those of other importa
nt stakeholders seeking an effective and efficient identity management system. The monitoring of project timelines and implementation of penalties for missed deadlines is a critical tool for eliminating project delays, the committee believes.
The non-achievement of targets within programme 3: Immigration Services is another concern. The speedy adjudication of visas has been identified as a critical pillar in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery plan and the continued underperformance in this area will have a devastating impact on the drive to attract tourists and the critical skills necessary for the country to develop. While the committee acknowledges that some of the delays arise because of recommendations derived from the Lubisi Report, it has called for speedy implementation of remedial actions such as capacitating the unit and amending delegations to streamline approval processes.
With regards to immigration and the challenge of porous borders, the committee noted the launch of the Border Managemen
t Authority (BMA) and the expected impact the entity will have on resolving some of the challenges within the border environment. The committee also highlighted risks associated with inadequate financing of the BMA. The committee called for the department and BMA management to enhance interactions with National Treasury to seek the resources it needs to meet its mandate.
Regarding the department’s financial health, the committee welcomes the significant decrease in the department’s contingent liabilities. The committee was informed that the contingent liabilities decreased from R2.3 billion to R239 million and this will assist the department in settling those liabilities when they become due.
IEC
The committee commended the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) for the attainment of a third consecutive clean audit. The committee is pleased that the Auditor-General has reported that the entity has effectively implemented audit action plans, has an effective in-year monitoring and review processes, and
has put in place preventative controls.
Nonetheless, the committee called on the IEC to strengthen its processes to ensure that more eligible voters are registered on the voters’ roll. While the committee acknowledged that 134 125 citizens used the online portal to register/re-register, more can be done to encourage registration and to ensure increased voting levels during elections.
Government Printing Works
The committee has committed to enhanced interaction with the internal audit committee of National Treasury to resolve teething challenges within the entity. Also, the committee will await the conclusion of the audit process and will substantively engage the entity on achieving targets. The committee remains concerned that the entity’s information communication technology environment has been identified as a risk factor. The committee called on the entity to work hard to resolve this challenge.
Source: Parliament of South Africa