SPCA says its books are clean‚ amid news that only half of SA's charities meet audit requirements

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says it can account for all funding to its 81 facilities across South Africa.

This comes as the South African Institute of Tax Practitioners disclosed that only 50% of the 140‚000 registered Non Profit Organisations in SA are compliant in terms of auditing.

 “Even the smallest of SPCAs who are in dire financial straits are able to prove their worth by being financially audited. Financial audits are fundamental requirements‚” the NSPCA’s Christine Kuch said in a statement. “To take this further‚ audited accounts for SPCAs can only be signed by members of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors or the South African Institute of Professional Accountants.”

Kuch said credible charities did not want to be tarred with the same brush as organisations that may be abusing donations.

“Far too often people start up operations or organisations‚ raising funds and collecting donations. People need to ask where their money goes. Reputable charities are tired of hearing excuses why others who compete with us for funds in the public and corporate arenas cannot even adhere to the basic requirements.

 “It ought to be the first question asked when a donation is being considered – can you produce audited accounts?”