Dear Mr. Carrim

Has this matter been resolved by DTI and NT:

Answer in National Assembly
"Question: On matters related to the Employment Creation Fund.

Reply:

Madam Speaker,

The National Treasury suspended the release the Employment Creation Fund donor funds to the Department of Trade and Industry in order to initiate an independent performance audit of the programme. This was due to concerns raised relating to governance and compliance with financial and legal prescripts on the use of Official Development Assistance.

The audit identified a number of challenges in the Employment Creation Fund, which mostly related to compliance, accountability and good governance. Based on these findings, National Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry agreed that the findings and the recommendations of the audit be addressed before the release of further funding to the DTI.

With regard to the Employment Creation Fund, I have been advised by both Minister of Finance and Minister of Trade and Industry that their departments are working together to re-operationalize the fund as a matter of urgency. An action plan following all Employment Creation Fund audits has been agreed upon by both departments.

I am further aware that this matter has been referred to the Portfolio Committee and would suggest that it be addressed at such forum. I therefore believe that there is no need for the Deputy President to intervene in the Employment Creation Fund programme at this stage as an agreement on a joint way forward has been reached.

Thank you."