The SUNFin project team has embarked on a detailed re-planning exercise to determine the time and effort required to complete key activities in the various project workstreams to prepare for a successful go live. As part of this re-planning exercise, the team will confirm the availability and capacity of critical financial resources needed for the project and key interdependencies with the SUNStudent project's timeline, while planned project work continues.  

In October 2020, the SUNFin project's go-live date was postponed from January 2021 to July 2021. Depending on the outcome of this re-planning exercise, the project team will determine whether the current go live date is still achievable.

According to Manie Lombard, Chief Director Finance, the SUNFin steering committee had to take cognisance of the project risks, highlighting a few important issues, such as the continued resource constraints that have prevailed since the beginning of the project. "Despite this project being a priority, staff working on SUNFin do not have the luxury of being dedicated to the project. The 2020 financial year-end process and external audit had to be completed successfully, to name but two of the many ongoing resource challenges we face."

According to Manie, the realignment of the Finance Division's organisational structure and roles and responsibilities remain a crucial focus for the finance leadership team.

"I am, however, confident that we will find solutions as we move forward. The project is one of SU's most important projects to date and our capable project team will ensure the successful implementation of the new financial system.