This study focused on factors that had compromised the credibility of the performance reports of Programme 3 (Farmer Support and Development Services) of the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration. The study revealed that credible performance reporting is essential for accountability and effective management within the Ehlanzeni South District of Mpumalanga Province. Furthermore, it revealed that the use of incorrect evidence templates, the submission of incomplete evidence and the adjustment of reported performance by third parties contributed to the loss of credibility of reported performance. The discrepancies between the reported performance and the documented evidence signified that there was poor performance file management and that the reported performance of Programme 3 lacked the required credibility.