Performance management within the parameters of the PFMA

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to describe and examine the current state of research and knowledge on performance auditing and performance reporting, and how these two components of performance management can be applied in the public sector in South Africa, and, at the same time, be in line with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. The roles and responsibilities and supporting mechanisms available for implementation are reflected on and the application in national departments in South Africa is analysed. The analysis demonstrates that limited performance audits are conducted and reported on in the annual report. Although there has been a continuous improvement in performance reporting major shortcomings identified by the Auditor-General SA include the lack of sufficient supporting evidence and non-alignment between the planning, budgeting and actual reporting information. Accounting officers made reference to performance information in their reports but the content differed and audit committees also adopt various practices. Challenges include the lack of standards, support and incentives or sanctions for poor reporting. The study concludes with recommendations and suggestion for future research.