Transparency (Open Budget Index) 86/100
The Government of South Africa provides the public with extensive budget information.
Public Participation 65/100
The Government of South Africa provides the public with adequate opportunities to engage in the budget process.
Budget Oversight
By legislature 85/100
Budget oversight by the legislature in South Africa is adequate.
By auditor 100/100
Budget oversight by the supreme audit institution in South Africa is adequate.
Recommendations
Improving Transparency[1]
The findings of the OBI indicate that, to improve its national budget transparency, South Africa should increase the comprehensiveness of the Enacted Budget by presenting information on revenues and borrowing along with the expenditure information already provided.
Improving Participation
South Africa should prioritize the following actions to improve budget participation:
- Establish formal regulations that oblige the executive to engage with the public during each stage of the budget cycle.
- Establish formal mechanisms for the public to assist the supreme audit institution to formulate its audit program and participate in audit investigations.
- Provide detailed feedback on how public assistance and participation has been used by the supreme audit institution.
Improving Oversight
South Africa should prioritize the following action to strengthen budget oversight:
- Ensure the Executive’s Budget Proposal is provided to legislators at least three months before the start of the budget year.
[1] For further recommendations beyond central budget transparency in South Africa, see the full country summary.