Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998)

Constitutions

Constitution of the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA)

14. Finances and Fiduciary Responsibilities

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14.1Fiduciary duties of Authority

 

14.1.1The Authority must, as contemplated in section 50 of the Public Finance Management Act:
14.1.1.1exercise the duty of utmost care to ensure reasonable protection of the assets and records of the Authority;
14.1.1.2act with fidelity, honesty, integrity and in the best interest of the Authority in managing the financial affairs of the Authority;
14.1.1.3on request, disclose to the Minister all material facts, including those reasonably discoverable, which in any way may influence the decisions of the Minister; and
14.1.1.4Seek, within the sphere of influence of the Authority to prevent any prejudice to the financial interests of the state.

 

14.1.2A member may not:
14.1.2.1Act in a way that is inconsistent with the responsibilities assigned to the Authority in terms of the Public Finance Management Act; or
14.1.2.2Use the position or privileges of, or confidential information obtained for personal gain or to improperly benefit another person.

 

14.1.3A member must:
14.1.3.1Disclose to the Authority any direct or indirect personal or private business interest that that member or any spouse, partner or close family member may have in any matter before the Authority; and
14.1.3.2Withdraw from the proceedings of the Authority when that matter is considered, unless the Authority decides that the member's direct or indirect interest in the matter is trivial or irrelevant.

 

14.2Financial and general responsibilities of Authority

 

14.2.1The Authority must ensure that the Authority has and maintains:
14.2.1.1Effective, efficient and transparent systems of financial and risk management and internal control:
14.2.1.2A system of internal audit under the control and direction of an audit committee complying with the operating in accordance with regulations and instructions prescribed in terms of sections 76 and 77 of the Public Finance Management Act:
14.2.1.3An appropriate procurement and provisioning system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective; and
14.2.1.4A system for properly evaluating all major capital projects prior to a final decision on the project,

 

14.2.2The Authority must take effective and appropriate steps to:
14.2.2.1Disburse funds in terms of section 14 of the Act all revenue due to the Authority; and
14.2.2.2Prevent irregular expenditure, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, losses resulting from criminal conduct, and expenditure not complying with the operational policies of the Authority: and
14.2.2.3Manage available working capital efficiently and economically.

 

14.2.3The Authority is responsible for the management, including the safeguarding, of the assets and for the management of the revenue, expenditure and liabilities of the Authority.

 

14.2.4The Authority must comply with any tax, levy, duty, pension and audit commitments as required by legislation.

 

14.2.5The Authority must take effective and appropriate disciplinary steps against any employee of the Authority who:
14.2.5.1Contravenes or fails to comply with a provision of the Act:
14.2.5.2Commits an act which undermines the financial management and internal control system of the Authority; or
14.2.5.3Makes or permits an irregular expenditure or a fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

 

14.2.6The Authority is responsible for the submission of all reports, returns, notices and other information to Parliament or the Minister, as may be required by the Public Finance Management Act.

 

14.2.7The Authority must comply with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act and any other applicable legislation.

 

14.3Sources of finance

 

The Authority is financed from-

14.3.1The skills development levies collected in its sector;
14.3.2Moneys paid to it from the National Skills Fund;
14.3.3Grants, donations and bequests made to it;
14.3.4Income earned on surplus moneys deposited or invested;
14.3.5Income earned on services rendered in the prescribed manner; and
14.3.6Money received from any other lawful source.

 

14.4Investments

 

14.4.1The money received by the Authority must be paid into a banking account at any registered bank and may be invested only in-
14.4.1.1Savings accounts, permanent shares or fixed deposits in any registered bank or other financial institution:
14.4.1.2Internal registered stock contemplated in section 21 (1) of the Exchequer Act, 1975 (Act 66 of 1975); and
14.4.1.3Any other manner approved by the Minister.

 

14.4.2All investments must comply with the approved investments policy of the Authority and be consistent with relevant legislation

 

14.5Purpose for which funds may be used

 

The moneys received by the Authority may be used only in the prescribed manner and in accordance with any prescribed standards or criteria and to—

14.5.1Fund the performance of its functions; and
14.5.2Pay for its administration within the prescribed limit.

 

14.6Financial records of Authority

 

14.6.1The Authority must, in accordance with the standards of generally accepted accounting practice-
14.6.1.1Keep proper record of all its financial transactions, assets and liabilities; and
14.6.1.2Within six months after the end of each financial year, prepare accounts reflecting income and expenditure and a balance sheet showing its assets, liabilities and financial position as at the end of that financial year.

 

14.6.2The Authority must prepare—
14.6.2.1Annual budgets, annual reports and financial statements in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Public Finance Management Act; and
14.6.2.2Furnish the Director-General with copies of all budgets, reports and statements contemplated above and any other information that it is required to submit in terms of the Public Finance Management Act.

 

14.7Audit of Authority

 

14.7.1The Auditor-General must—
14.7.1.1audit the accounts, financial statements and financial management of the Authority; and
14.7.1.2report on that audit to the Authority and to the Minister and in that report express an opinion as to whether the Authority has complied with the provisions of the Act, and this Constitution, relating to financial matter.

 

14.7.2Sub-clause 14.7.1 does not preclude the appointment of some other auditor to audit the accounts and financial statements of the Authority.

 

14.8Signatories to accounts

 

14.8.1The Authority must appoint three signatories to authorise any payment on their behalf.

 

14.8.2At least two of the three signatories must be required to authorize any payment by the Authority.

 

14.8.3All payments must be made in terms of the relevant legislation and policies of the Authority.