 |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Standard Bank supports government accountability conference |  |  |
 |
|
15 May 2003
Standard Bank has committed R200 000 to sponsoring a conference devoted to government accountability and sound financial management.
The money will be used for the annual conference of the Association of Public Accounts Committees (APAC), which takes place in East London from May 26-27.
This is the second year that the bank has sponsored this conference. Last year's conference was held in Kimberley.
APAC is a multi-party organisation made up of representatives from all nine provincial legislatures as well national parliament. Established in July 1997, APAC's primary function is to assure sound financial management and accountability in all areas of public spending. Public accounts committees review the auditor-general and provincial auditor's reports and vigorously pursue irregularities.
Says Ricky Naidoo, Director Public Sector Banking and Social Strategy at Standard Bank: "APAC aims to promote a culture of accountable and transparent governance among its members. Standard Bank's support of APAC is based on the bank's own commitment to governance and sustainable public private partnerships. In pursuit of this, the bank has supported the national, provincial and local governments in terms of capacity building programmes for members of parliament, members of provincial legislatures and councillors.
"APAC has also been instrumental in establishing the Southern African Development Community Organisation of Public Account Committees, and because of the bank's active business operations on the African continent and its commitment to the New Partnership for Africa's Development, it is only natural for us to enter into this partnership with APAC."
Over 300 delegates, including representatives from the SADC region, will be attending the APAC conference. This year's theme is "Ensuring accountability towards a progressive southern Africa". Issues that will be discussed include financial management, transformation and provincial and local government. Makhenkesi Stofile, the Eastern Cape Premier, will give the keynote address.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
