Government-by-Government Assessments: South Africa
During the review period, the government published its executive budget proposal and enacted budget online within a reasonable period. It did not publish its end-of-year report online within a reasonable period. Publication of information on debt obligations, including major state-owned enterprise debt, was delayed. The budget was substantially complete and generally reliable. The supreme audit institution met international standards of independence. It reviewed the government’s accounts and made reports publicly available. The process for allocating licenses and contracts for natural resource extraction was outlined in law and appeared to be followed in practice. Basic information on natural resource extraction awards was publicly available.
South Africa’s fiscal transparency would be improved by:
* Making its end-of-year report publicly available within a reasonable period; and
* Publishing timely information on government debt obligations, including for major state-owned enterprises.