The dataset is for the research topic 'Drivers of irregular expenditures and the role of internal control unit within the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape Province. This is a qualitative case study aimed at identifying drivers of irregular expenditures and the role of internal control unit within the department of Social Development in the Western Cape Province. A questionnaire was designed as a tool to collect data from 9 officials through interviews. The collected data was analyzed to single out findings and recommendations were to improve controls.