BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has taken a decisive step towards strengthening accountability and transparency in the management of public resources with the development of a comprehensive five-year Strategic Plan.
The strategy is being developed with technical support from international and regional partners, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the African Organisation of English Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E). The plan is expected to guide the operations of the OAG and position the institution to better serve the people of Eswatini.
OAG Management with the Strategic Plan development experts with Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg.
This week marked the successful completion of the first phase of the strategy development process. Technical experts from IDI and AFROSAI-E worked closely with a selected OAG team to draft the foundation of the Strategic Plan. Importantly, OAG staff members were actively engaged and invited to contribute their views, ensuring broad internal ownership of the strategy.
To further strengthen the plan, the Office will engage key stakeholders including Members of Parliament, auditees, cooperating partners, civil society organisations, and central government ministries. These consultations are aimed at ensuring that the strategy reflects national priorities and stakeholder expectations.
Deputy Auditor Generals Timothy Masuku and Nothando Dlamini.
The strategy development process received strong support from the Minister for Finance, Honourable Neal Rijkenberg, who met with the technical experts and welcomed the initiative. He emphasized the importance of a strong and well-equipped Office of the Auditor General in safeguarding public funds and ensuring accountability.
Auditor-General Timothy Matsebula expressed appreciation for the continued support from Government and technical partners, noting that the strategy will strengthen institutional capacity, improve audit processes, and align the Office with international auditing standards.
IDI’s Brighton Nyanga and George Phiri and AFROSAI-E’s Joseph Mumbire.
The Strategic Plan is expected to be completed at the beginning of the next government fiscal year. Its implementation will enhance the effectiveness of the Office of the Auditor General, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of good governance and ensuring that public money is protected for the benefit of all Emaswati.
