Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, has faced scrutiny following his decision to hire private auditors for an audit of Zambia’s defence and security forces. The audit, which included a payment of K16.8 million to private firms, has been deemed illegal by several legal authorities, including the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), due to violations of the Public Audit Act and the Public Finance Management Act.
Under Section 10 of the Public Audit Act No. 29 of 2016, the Auditor General is granted the power to appoint external auditors for state organs and bodies. However, this authority is limited, particularly when auditing sensitive institutions like the defence forces, law enforcement, and national security services. According to LAZ, the Auditor General’s power to subcontract such audits is restricted under Section 24(3) of the Public Audit Act.
In a letter dated 22nd November 2022, LAZ clarified that the Auditor General is prohibited from allowing external auditors to access confidential records or enter the premises of national security institutions unless specific criteria are met. These provisions are designed to protect national security by preventing the unauthorized circulation of sensitive information related to the country’s defence and law enforcement operations.
The objections raised by LAZ are further supported by Section 73(2) of the Public Finance Management Act, which emphasizes the legal protections on the records of the Defence Forces. The Act stipulates that these records should not be accessed without a valid national security justification. Furthermore, the Public Finance Management Act requires that any audit of the defence sector must receive prior written consent from the President, as outlined in Section 73(3), in order to safeguard national security.
Dr. Musokotwane’s decision to proceed with the audit without securing the necessary authorization from both the Auditor General and the President has led to concerns about the legality and procedural integrity of the exercise. Critics argue that this action bypasses the established legal framework that governs audits of sensitive government sectors.
The financial cost of K16.8 million for the audit has also raised questions about the appropriate allocation of public funds, especially given that the audit was not authorized in accordance with the law. This expenditure is seen by some as an improper use of taxpayers’ money, particularly in light of the legal concerns involved.
Musokotwane has defended his decision, stating that the audit was necessary for ensuring financial transparency in the defence sector. However, critics argue that transparency must be balanced with strict adherence to legal protocols, especially when national security is involved. They emphasize that audits of the defence and security sectors must be conducted within the legal boundaries established to protect the nation’s security interests.
Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and legal experts have supported LAZ’s objections, calling for a review of the Minister’s actions and for clearer guidelines on auditing sensitive state institutions. They argue that this situation highlights a need to address gaps in the legal framework governing audits in such critical sectors.
While Dr. Musokotwane has justified the need for the audit, the failure to follow the required legal procedures has left questions about the impact on public trust in government financial management. The Minister’s actions could influence how audits in sensitive sectors are conducted in the future, with some advocating for a comprehensive review of the process to ensure that it aligns with both transparency and national security needs.
By Mwansa Mulenga
But how do you know he did not obtain all those authorities needed to satisfy the requirements of PFMA? Ba Mulenga awe sure mwa luba! Bwekeleni fye ku BuLuba mwa fumine mwabe fimi fimo pamusana imwe.
First start an internal audit of Ministry of Finance and why we have so much exchange rate volatility as if we are Zimbabwe!
By next year kwacha will be at K40!!! This is not what we voted for!
You are wrong there next year and before elections
Big price drops free handouts and exchange rate 10 to 15 to $$$ ????
Zimbabwean people are very angry about your comments
“Military expenditures
1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)1.3% of GDP (2020 est.)1.3% of GDP (2019 est.)1.4% of GDP (2018 est.)
country rank: 112
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 17,000 active troops (15,000 Army; 2,000 Air) (2023)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the ZDF’s inventory is largely comprised of Chinese, Russian, and Soviet-era armaments; in recent years, leading suppliers have included China and Italy (2023)” The world factbook
“Military – note
the Zambia Defense Forces are responsible for preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; it also has some domestic security responsibilities in cases of national emergency; border security and support to African and UN peacekeeping operations are priorities; the ZDF is part of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Standby Force and participates in multinational training exercises; it has received training assistance from China and the USthe Army’s principal combat forces are 3 light infantry brigades,” The World Factbook
“supported by armored and artillery regiments; it also has a maritime patrol unit to provide security for the country’s lakes and rivers; the Air Force has small numbers of mostly Chinese-made combat aircraft and helicopters the ZDF traces its roots to the Northern Rhodesia Regiment,” The World factbook
Exactly………
We want to audit on one side and FIC says we
We have seen large amount of funds left our country of which we can’t follow or trace.
If we get rid of corruption and theft on the entire African continent and All the Africans in the Diaspora start plowing back in Africa then in the Next 20 years African continent will become the Supper power and no African immigrants will be leaving Africa for greener pastures in Europe or America….
STOP DREAMING
IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN
@Tikki if Bill Gates and others didnt dream would you even have the internet? Every part of development that has taken place in human kind started with a dream.
Bill Gates was not dreaming, he was thinking.
UPND calls on democratic ideals selectively. If you are as committed to transparency such that the army’s secret armory will be exposed, how about handing over ZNBC to a non government entity? Right now ZNBC cleans up all your dirty linen as it is afraid of reporting objectively on government issues. ZNBC needs to become a Public Broadcaster because Democracy doesnt prevail over a State Broadcaster
@Tikki
Yes with greedy leaders like HH…Munangangwa….Chakwera….Tshisekedi…Ramaphosa…Ruto…Museveni….Tinubu…King Mswathi…Africa will definitely never develop and remain poor and beggers
Africa was not meant develop but was meant to develop the leaders who collaborate with foreigners who develop their countries. Africa is worse than a toilet…at least we clean it each time we deposit our waste in it.
@ Deja Vu….kikikiki rolling over in laughter.
Said with a touch of “strong” ol chap!….kikiki
You are so right why others cant see this I dont know
The main reason Africa will never develop is crooks and theives are knowingly voted into office………
Forwardee 2041
The Pentagon has been failing audits, no big deal.
The issue in Zed I suspect is to cover up who owns nkwasi developments in chifwema area. Government auditors would possibly spill the beans, private auditors would be paid heavily for sewn lips.
What security concerns naimwe………
Zambia is not a super power nor is it threatened , At war , or in any cold war with any state……….nor are all of zambias neighbours……..
This is the same outcry we had when RBs GRZ privatised ZAMTEL , we had all sorts of theories about compromised security of the nation , all ……..
Baseless…..
Zambia is threatened by an economic war…….not a military war……..
Look for other ways justify your salaries……
Forwadee 2031…….
He doesn’t learn. Last he almost went to prison because of MMD bicycles and tax holidays to Varun Beverages. I doubt if he’s going to survive on this one. I feel sorry for him to go to prison at that age because of a silly decision
Too many crooks posing as leaders in western suits.
Calling them Colonials etc etc but want to to don all their attire
Whats wrong with tradional attire ??
@Tikki the problem with us bantu is we see traditional as static and archaic. We put traditional gear on the shelf and wait for a ceremony to wear them.
Therefore, to our kids who are being excessively exposed to Western styles, traditional is something to leave to their aged out of fashion parents. We must remember that while we chase Western styles and traditions these are actually evolving-just like ours would if we use them regularly. Modernise tradition. Tradition is not archaicism.
A decision like this was cleared, recleared and cleared for reclearing again by all relevant authorities………..
You are just blowing hot air from the clique………
We are here
It’s Frowadee 2031……….
Upnd doesn’t respect the law at all. We only know the truth when you leave office.
2026 PLEASE :))
The true date is……….
Forwadee 2041………