Ombud Council AR 2026

PART C: GOVERNANCE

14. Audit Committee Report We are pleased to present our report for the financial year ended 31 March 2026. Audit and Risk Committee members and attendance The Committee consists of four members and should meet at least four times per annum as per its approved terms of reference. During the current year, four scheduled meetings were held as well as a further three special meetings. Audit and Risk Committee responsibility The Committee reports that it has complied with its responsibilities arising from section 51(1)(a) and section 77 of the PFMA (1999, as amended) and Treasury Regulation 27.1.The Committee is also established in accordance with section 187(1)(b) of the FSR Act (2017) to review, monitor and advise the Board on the risks faced by the entity and plans for managing those risks, and has fulfilled this function. The Committee also reports that it has adopted appropriate formal terms of reference as its Audit and Risk Committee charter, has regulated its affairs in compliance with this charter and has discharged all its responsibilities as contained therein. The effectiveness of internal control The system of internal controls applied by the entity over financial and risk management is effective, efficient and transparent. In line with the PFMA (1999, as amended) and the King IV Report on Corporate Governance requirements, Internal Audit provides the Committee and management with assurance that the internal controls are appropriate and effective. This is achieved by means of the risk management process, as well as the identification of corrective actions and suggested enhancements to the controls and processes. From the various reports of the Internal Auditors, the Audit Report on the annual financial statements, and the management report of the external auditors, it was noted that no matters were reported that indicate any material deficiencies in the system of internal control except for internal audit findings in the IT governance and control environment. Accordingly, we can report that the system of internal control over financial reporting for the period under review was efficient and effective. Management has undertaken to address IT governance and control weaknesses.

In year management reports The Committee is satisfied with the quality of in year management and monthly / quarterly reports submitted in terms of the PFMA (1999, as amended) and the Treasury regulations. The public entity has reported to the National Treasury as required by the PFMA (1999, as amended). Evaluation of annual financial statements The Committee has: • Reviewed and discussed the audited annual financial statements to be included in the annual report, with the external auditors. • Reviewed the external audit management report and management’s response thereto. • Reviewed changes in accounting policies and practices (delete if not applicable). • Reviewed the entity’s compliance with legal and regulatory provisions. • Reviewed significant adjustments resulting from the audit. The Committee concurs with and accepts the external audit report of the annual financial statements and is of the opinion that the audited annual financial statements should be accepted and read together with the external audit report. Internal audit The Committee is satisfied that the internal audit function is operating effectively and that it has addressed the risks pertinent to the entity and its audits. External audit The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) has opted not to perform the external audit for the 2025/26 financial year based on section 25(1)(a) of the Public Audit Act (Act 25 of 2004). The AGSA approved the appointment of the MGI RAS group to perform the audit of the Council for the financial year. The Committee has met with the MGI RAS Group to ensure that there are no unresolved issues.

Ms Lebogang Senne Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee

Ombud Council 2025/26 Annual Report

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