The Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) confirms that an independent internal audit review of the Round 1 application system and process has been completed.
The internal audit concluded that the DNTF application process was generally operating effectively. It found that key controls were appropriately designed and largely operated as intended. While certain process weaknesses were identified, these were limited in scope and mitigated through compensating controls and oversight mechanisms embedded within the approved Internal Control Framework.
Importantly, while the internal audit identified areas requiring improvement, it provided reasonable assurance that Round 1 was implemented fairly and that the control weaknesses identified did not compromise the integrity of the selection of grantees.
DNTF further notes that Google donated the funding to AIP, which appointed Tshikululu Social Investments as fund manager. The funds are held within the independently audited Tshikululu Trust, which received a clean external audit opinion for all transactions up to December 2025.