KwaZulu-Natal was the biggest culprit of irregular expenditure in the 2016/17 financial year‚ according to the latest report from the Auditor General.

KwaZulu-Natal racked up irregular expenditure worth R7.8 billion‚ a 218% increase from last year‚ when the province was also the biggest culprit.

Irregular expenditure in the Free State increased by 181%‚ totaling R3.5 billion.

Limpopo’s irregular expenditure had increased by 150% in comparison to last year. It had irregular expenditure of R1.5 billion.

The Eastern Cape had an increase of 92% and had irregular expenditure worth R1.1 billion.

The AG’s latest report states that irregular expenditure has increased by 55% to least R45.6 billion in the 2016/2017 financial year.

Much of the expenditure stemmed from previous years. The bulk of the irregular expenditure (78%) was identified and disclosed by the audited entities while 22% was uncovered during the audit.

Most of the irregular expenditure (89% or R40 billion) was attributed to poor supply chain management.

While there were fewer auditees with irregular expenditure (67%) compared to last year (72%)‚ irregular expenditure had been on an upscale over the last four years‚ the AG said.