Underfunding cripples Auditor-General’s Office, Parly warns

KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Accounts has been alerted to a crippling budget crisis at the Auditor-General’s office, with lawmakers warning that severe underfunding is undermining the office’s constitutional duty to safeguard public funds.

“The scale of underfunding is staggering,” said legislator Charlton Hwende, former committee chair and now a committee member.

He highlighted that by the end of September 2025, the office had received only 17%,ZWG 124.12 million, of its approved budget of ZWG 739.2 million.

Critical capital expenditures for essential tools, including vehicles and IT infrastructure, accounted for a mere 1% of the budget.

Hwende warned that the situation is set to worsen in 2026, with the  Auditor-General Office requiring ZWG 1.195 billion to operate effectively. However, the Treasury has imposed a ceiling of ZWG 641.8 million, resulting in a shortfall of ZWG 553.4 million.

“This gap threatens our ability to provide staff housing loans and to digitalize audits, which are essential for modern oversight,” he said.

The legislator also cautioned that the current funding model compromises the office’s independence, as it obliges the Auditor – General’s Office to seek resources from the Ministry of Finance.

“By compelling the Auditor -General Office to seek funds from the Treasury, we are undermining our ability to audit the Executive without fear or favor,” Hwende said, noting that this practice violates international standards outlined in the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI 10).

Hwende contrasted Zimbabwe’s approach with other Southern African Development Community (SADC) Supreme Audit Institutions, which receive direct funding that enables them to operate independently.

“We must align ourselves with these standards to maintain our integrity and effectiveness,” he added.

“Protecting the Auditor-General’s budget is not merely an expense; it is a vital investment in accountability. A strong, independent Auditor – Genera’s Office  is our best defense against the misuse of public money.”

Efforts to obtain a comment from Auditor-General Rheah Kujinga on the funding crisis were futile.