Mpumalanga records R6.78bn in wasteful and irregular spending

Mpumalanga’s provincial government has recorded R6.78 billion in unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure over three financial years, prompting renewed concerns about financial oversight and accountability.

The figures, highlighted in the Auditor-General’s latest findings, show that the province’s spending problems have persisted despite calls for stronger controls and action against departments and officials that repeatedly fail to comply with legislation.

The province recorded R2.01 billion in irregular expenditure in 2023/24, followed by R1.51 billion in 2024/25 and R3.26 billion in 2025/26.

The report also raised concerns about approximately R225 million spent on officials who had been suspended for extended periods.

Suspended officials cost province millions

The Department of Health accounted for R219.86 million in suspension-related costs involving multiple officials.

Other reported costs included R3 million for the suspension of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency’s chief executive officer, R460,000 for the suspension of the head of the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, and R490,000 for multiple officials in the Department of Education.

The Auditor-General identified shortcomings in consequence management as a contributing factor, raising concerns about the province’s response to repeated breaches of financial and administrative requirements.

DA MPL Trudie Grové-Morgan welcomed recommendations for political and administrative leaders to strengthen accountability, institutionalise financial controls and monitor whether corrective measures are implemented.

She also called for automated procurement processes to improve compliance and transparency and help prevent corruption.

“We are calling on the provincial government to introduce automated procurement processes, which will help strengthen compliance, prevent corruption and ensure greater transparency,” Grové-Morgan said.

Analysts question financial oversight

Political analyst Theo Neethling said the latest audit findings presented a mixed picture of provincial governance.

While eight provincial institutions achieved clean audits, he said the scale of irregular and wasteful expenditure raised serious concerns about financial management and compliance.

Neethling argued that the accumulation of R6.78 billion over three years, including R3.26 billion in irregular expenditure in 2025/26 alone, pointed to persistent weaknesses in financial controls.

He said the province needed to demonstrate the political and administrative will to address the underlying problems.

According to Neethling, ineffective consequence management is a central concern. When investigations are delayed and officials are not held accountable for repeated financial breaches, he said, it can create a management culture in which regulations are not taken seriously.

He also identified supply chain management, contract oversight and infrastructure project planning as areas requiring attention.

Neethling called for suspicious expenditure to be investigated promptly, with appropriate disciplinary or criminal action where negligence or corruption is established.

Analysts point to a long-running problem

Political analyst Sandile Swana described unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure in Mpumalanga as a problem stretching back approximately 15 years.

He attributed the situation to what he characterised as a persistent culture of corruption and the appointment of political representatives he considers unsuitable for their roles.

Swana also alleged that people who challenge corruption in the province face reprisals. These are his allegations and should be distinguished from findings formally established by an investigation or court.

Another political analyst, Ntsikelelo Breakfast, argued that repeated instances of irregular spending suggested that those responsible were not facing sufficient consequences.

“The fact that people keep on doing the same thing year in and year out means there are no consequences,” Breakfast said.

Provincial government outlines corrective measures

Mpumalanga government spokesperson George Mthethwa said the provincial administration was implementing measures to curb unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

These include training supply chain management officials, monitoring expenditure and introducing automated procurement processes.

Mthethwa said the increase in irregular expenditure during 2025/26 was partly attributable to a disclosed amount of R2.05 billion.

The government plans to introduce an electronic tender system by April 2027, followed by the rollout of electronic quotations by April 2028.

The proposed systems are intended to strengthen procurement oversight and improve compliance.

However, the latest figures leave a broader question about whether the planned reforms will address the weaknesses identified by the Auditor-General and lead to more effective accountability across provincial departments and entities.

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Source: IOL