ANNUAL REPORT 2012 - University of South Africa

UNISA ANNUAL REPORT 2012
In 2012 the risk areas identified by
the Internal Audit Department where
controls were assessed as not being
entirely adequate and/or effective
were the following centres, institutes
and bureaux, Despatch, Finance,
Information Communication and
Technology, Occupational Health and
Safety, Print Production, Procurement,
University Estates and Assessment
Practices, with the latter being
assessed by the Internal Audit team
as the most impactful threat for the
university as it pertains primarily to
the fraudulent distribution of examination
papers and questions the
integrity of the assessment processes
and Unisa qualifications.
Noting the dire reputational risk,
management has taken concerted
steps to address this threat and the
AERMC of Council has stipulated a
requirement that the risk be contained
as an institutional priority.
During interim and statutory yearend
audit processes, the appointed
external auditors of the university also
issue management letters documenting
their assessment of the systems
of internal control in the university.
There is also liaison between internal
and external audit to ensure maximum
audit coverage and, as far as
possible, no duplication of effort.
Unisa assessed its internal control
systems as at 31 December 2012
in relation to the criteria for effective
internal control over financial reporting.
It believes that its systems of
internal control over its operational
environment, information reporting
and safeguarding of assets against
the unauthorised acquisition, use or
disposal of assets met most of the
stipulated criteria.
The AERMC of Council reviewed the
report on internal administrative/
operational structures in the year
under review at its meeting of 3 June
2013. The documentation for
approval by the Committee was
circulated with the meeting agenda
in advance with due notice.
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