Following the National Arts Council’s (NAC) sterling performance over the previous financial year, having received its first clean audit since inception, NAC Chief Financial Officer Dumisani Dlamini, was lauded at the 2016 CFO Awards.
National Arts Council CFO Scoops Two Awards
Dlamini won the prestigious award for Young CFO of the Year as well as for Public CFO of the Year. This achievement signifies the NAC’s growth trajectory as a government entity that is truly turning the tide and changing for the better within a challenging economic environment.
The 38-year old Dlamini impressed the judges with the turnaround of the entity, going from a qualified audit with 56 findings to a clean audit in 2015. This was achieved through correcting faulty administrative processes, rewriting and simplifying documents and contributing innovative ideas to the organisation.
Dumisani had this to say when he accepted his award, “To god be the glory. I don’t even have a speech, this is so unexpected. I’d like to thank CFO South Africa for providing an opportunity for us to learn and grown. I’d like to thank the judges for this wonderful honour. I remember being a little boy from the dusty areas of KwaZulu-Natal, then moving to Johannesburg and then into this space. This is to say to every black child, girl or boy, you can make it! This goes to all CFOS in government who are under political pressure or are in a difficult environment – this is for you!”
NAC Chief Executive Officer Rosemary Mangope says the organization is proud of Dlamini’s achievement. “In order to truly change and make a difference, it is critical to recruit people, such as Dumisani, with the most appropriate skill levels, energy and drive; because in doing so, you find professionals who are passionate and committed, and take pride in their work. When such people are on your team, the results speak for themselves.”
The NAC has placed much emphasis on enhancing its governance systems, improving its internal controls and raising the bar in financial management. “This is only possible through exceptional commitment from team members, and the NAC’s team members have excelled in this regard, Dumisani being an excellent example,” says Mangope.
“Upholding principles of good governance is what fosters confidence in the NAC. This has been a challenge historically, but awards such as these are testament that the NAC is in a process of rejuvenation towards making an even greater impact in the arts, culture and heritage sector,” concludes Mangope.