Strong political oversight, constant monitoring by councils, improved performance management through internal audit and audit committees, improved internal capacity as well as sound administration and leadership, were stated as areas which positively contributed to the improved audit outcomes by municipalities in Bokone-Bophirima province.
The statement was made by North West MEC for Local Government and Human Settlement Collen Maine during the announcement of municipal audit outcomes at Rustenburg recently. At least 12 municipalities in the province have either received unqualified, improved or consistent audit outcomes for the audit period of 2013/2014.
Speaking to municipal mayors MEC Maine said “We applaud our municipalities for a job well done we can only improve from here. One of the key performance areas for the Back to Basics Programmes is to ensure sound financial management and accountability. Good leadership, monitoring by council, employment of skilled personal especially CFO and financial staff, production of quality financial statement and many other factors contributed to the achievement and the prudent management of resources, to sustainably deliver services and bring development to communities.”
MEC Maine took the opportunity to hand over certificates to recognise local and district municipalities whose audit outcomes have improved, the municipalities with the most improved and the most consistent improved municipalities.
Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipalities, Moses Kotane, Tlokwe and Naledi local municipalities have all received unqualified audit outcomes. Mahikeng, Ramotshere Moiloa, Kagisano-Molopo, Matlosana, Kgetleng-Rivier, Moses Kotane and Moretele local municipalities all have improved audit outcomes. Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Bojanala Platinum district municipalities as well as Tlokwe local municipality, all obtained improved audit outcome on the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
Areas of concern were also highlighted which includes instability in councils, poor administration leadership, non-compliance to legislation, poor quality of annual performance reports and annual financial statements as well as poor information technology controls.
Other concerns include excessive use of consultants with no skills transfer, lack of consequences for poor performance and transgressions, key positions vacant or key officials lacking appropriate competencies and a low response by political leadership and management in addressing the root causes of poor audit outcomes
MEC Maine concluded that: “More effort still needs to be made by both the provincial government and municipalities to eliminate disclaimer audit opinions and work towards achieving clean audits. Collective municipal leadership needs to rectify areas of concern as mentioned and take ownership of the audit process. In this way we can improve our audit outcomes and avoid unnecessary regression. We will build from here and achieve positive results.”
Enquiries:
Ben Bole, Spokesperson
Cell: 071 566 1399
Email: msbole@nwpg.gov.za
