Windhoek: The Namibia Press Agency (Nampa) has received an unqualified audit opinion for the 2023/2024 financial year, marking its first clean audit in a decade. This achievement signifies a major milestone in the agency’s governance and financial management, according to Nampa board chairperson, Ndeuhala Katonyala-Lewis, who announced the news on Tuesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the clean audit from the Auditor-General reflects the board’s commitment to performance, transparency, and accountability. Katonyala-Lewis emphasized that the board considers performance a key indicator in their agreement with the shareholder, the Government of the Republic of Namibia.
She highlighted that this is the first time since 2015 that Nampa has received an unqualified audit report, indicating prudent management aligned with good corporate governance. Katonyala-Lewis noted that the national news agency, which operates under the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, has made significant financial progress under the current board.
Katonyala-Lewis stated that while the board inherited a net deficit, Nampa is now recording a surplus, attributing this success to the teamwork between the board, management, and staff. She explained that the clean audit demonstrates effective internal control systems capable of producing reliable and accurate financial information.
She detailed that these systems ensure the production of reliable, accurate, and complete information, satisfying the Auditor-General to issue an unqualified audit opinion. Katonyala-Lewis further emphasized that the board, through its audit committee, ensured strict oversight of financial management and compliance with governance principles.
Looking ahead, Katonyala-Lewis expressed Nampa’s aim to continue strengthening its governance and maintain timely audit submissions. The goal is to have the audited annual financial report within six months after year-end, although challenges such as the unavailability of auditors can impact the audit timetable.