R1.7M Grocery Greed: Ramaphosa’s Office Loses Clean Audit

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has been dealt a significant blow following the release of an audit report by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), revealing irregularities in the procurement of groceries that have resulted in a downgraded audit status.

The findings, announced earlier this week, represent a stark contrast to the three consecutive years of clean audits the Presidency had previously achieved, raising serious questions about oversight and financial management within the institution.

The AGSA’s report detailed an irregular expenditure of R1.7 million linked to grocery purchases made during the 2025/26 financial year.

According to the report, the expenditure was procured through simplified written quotations instead of a formal, open tender process, a requirement triggered by the expenditure exceeding R1 million.

This deviation from established procurement procedures, coupled with the appointment of a supplier who failed mandatory evaluation criteria, contributed to the unqualified opinion with findings.

The report further indicated that R41,000 was lost due to the failure to utilize pre-booked travel arrangements, highlighting a broader pattern of non-compliance.

The Public Servants Association (PSA), the union representing staff within the Presidency, has strongly criticized the findings, demanding immediate accountability and outlining specific steps that need to be taken.

As stated in a recent press release, the PSA emphasized the need for clarification regarding authorization of the expenditure, assessment of any potential financial prejudice to the state, and the implementation of preventative measures to avoid similar breaches in the future.

The union’s caution against blaming individual employees underscores a systemic concern about the controls in place.

This situation is particularly concerning given the broader context of public sector financial management in South Africa.

The AGSA’s March 2026 report revealed that only 151 out of 417 audited entities – including national and provincial departments – achieved clean audits during the 2024/25 financial year.

This statistic paints a concerning picture of governance and accountability across the country’s public institutions.

The Presidency’s audit regression serves as a critical reminder of the importance of rigorous adherence to procurement regulations and the necessity for robust internal controls, especially within institutions tasked with setting standards for public sector accountability.

Moving forward, it is imperative that the Presidency demonstrates a commitment to transparency and implements effective corrective actions to restore public trust and ensure responsible financial stewardship.

The investigation into the travel losses is ongoing, and the outcome of that inquiry will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the extent of the damage and informing future preventative measures.

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