By Simon Ramafalo
MEC Nakedi Kekana (left) and HOD Mpho Mashamba during the session before the SCOPA.
Executive Management of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) has appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) to provide a detailed account of the department’s fiscal management and service delivery. Led by MEC Nakedi Grace Kekana and Head of Department (HOD) Mpho Mashamba, the executive management team addressed critical inquiries regarding the department’s use of public funds.
The executive management has committed to clean governance by addressing existing challenges focusing on aligning the department’s financial expenditure with the tangible needs of rural farmers. HOD Mpho Mashamba further provided the technical insights into the department’s audit outcomes, detailing the corrective measures being implemented to address previous administrative gaps while highlighting improvements in internal control systems and procurement processes designed to prevent irregular expenditure.
The department, led by MEC Kekana, has been instrumental in driving agricultural growth and rural development initiatives in Limpopo. However, through her leadership, the department has been instrumental in agricultural modernisation by introducing climate-smart technologies to smallholder farmers; rural development in a form of improving infrastructure that link remote farms to mainstream markets and empowering underrepresented groups (youth and women) in the agri-sector by prioritising funding.
SCOPA's oversight role involves scrutinizing government departments' use of public funds to ensure adherence to budgetary frameworks and legislative directives. By examining audit reports and convening public hearings, SCOPA acts as a guardian of public finance, ensuring accountability and the efficient use of resources.
As a follow up, the department will submit reports on specific projects, reinforcing the ongoing cycle of accountability and excellence in public service.
HOD Mpho Mashamba (left) alongside executive management of LDARD provide a detailed account of its fiscal management and service delivery before the SCOPA.
