The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is shocked to learn that a forensic investigation found that there was material non-compliance with the policy and prescripts related to the Treasury Regulations, PFMA and Public Service Regulations requirements.
This was revealed to me in a reply by the MEC for Finance and e-Government, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to my questions tabled for written reply in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
This forensic investigation was conducted after the department spent R2.8 million on sending a group of 45 interns to Germany for training in Artificial Intelligence.
According to the MEC initially 50 interns were to undergo training in Artificial Intelligence but five dropped out before the programme started.
Furthermore, after completing the internship programme the interns were only given a certificate of attendance and not a qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The forensic investigation has been completed and has been handed over to the department so that the recommendations can be implemented.
I have already requested a copy of the report and will be closely monitoring if any consequence management has taken place.