OUTCOMES OF THE SALGA NEC POLICY WORKSHOP
23 – 24 AUGUST 2010
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA), as the only constitutionally recognised representative of Local Government in South, always seeks to advise on and influence policy decisions impacting Local Government. When SALGA voices a position, standpoint or recommendation, it is duly mandated by the municipalities of South Africa.
To ensure that we fully represent our membership’s needs at all times, the SALGA NEC met on 23 and 24 of August to deliberate and draw positions on matters affecting local government to be deliberated on at the ruling party’s NGC. We find it critical to the development of local government to give input on decisions that will affect us as a sphere. However, to ensure that we did not discuss amongst ourselves from a single perspective, we engaged relevant stakeholders to partake in discussions and give input in their areas of expertise.
This workshop saw fruitful outcomes for the development of a local government position on the following matters being tabled for the ruling party’s NGC:
- GENDER, URBURNISATION AND MIGRATION
- LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNANCE
- MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES AND CLIMATE CHANGE
- LABOUR RELATIONS
- LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Please click here for the Outcomes document
Regards,
Milisa Kentane
Manager: Communication
SALGA (National Office)
P O Box 2094, Pretoria 0001
Tel: (012) 369 8025
Fax: (012) 369 8004
Cell: 083 643 1436
Web: www.salga.net
SALGA ON AUDITOR GENERAL’S “CONSOLIDATED GENERAL REPORT ON THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUDIT OUTCOMES 2008-09” 10 AUGUST 2010
Background:
The CONSOLIDATED GENERAL REPORT ON THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUDIT OUTCOMES 2008-09 was tabled in parliament and was presented by the Auditor General today, 10 August 2010. SALGA has seen it relevant to acknowledge and reflect on this report in order to gain an objective overview on the state of municipal financial management. We have noted some of the highlights as per Auditor General’s report and selected challenges we consider key to the improvement of the audit outcomes.
Key Notables:
From the said report we have picked up a number of key notable issues both positive and negative:
The increase in financially unqualified reports by 15% (from 131 to 151) in municipalities and municipal entities and 27% in district municipalities is a definite highlight for local government. Improved audits were noted in 53 municipalities, led by Kwazulu/Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo respectively, whilst 23 municipalities reduced their number of disclaimed or adverse outcomes from the previous year.
There were a number of negative outcomes like the regression (performed worse than in the previous year) of 25 municipalities of which 10 regressed to disclaimers. The non-completion of audits for 36 municipalities and eight municipal entities by 8 March 2010 compared with 38 municipalities and nine municipal entities in 2007-08 can be influenced by a combination of factors.
These include non-submission/late submission of annual financial statements, capacity constraints, prior year audit backlogs, late finalisation of audits and financial statement retractions.
The quality of financial statements submitted to the Auditor General remain a key issue that needs to be addressed. It is stated in the AG’s report that this is due to weak monitoring and oversight processes or systems in municipalities. Leadership has also been cited as one of the issues that have led to the dilapidated financial state of some of the municipalities.
SALGA Perspective:
SALGA acknowledges the report by the Auditor General and duly notes the challenges, as noted above. This report allows local government on areas of improvement.
The highlights noted initially in the statement give an indication of the strides we have taken as local government in our effort to fortify our performance. We however note key challenges from the report and are aware that these are matters that need addressing.
Leadership has been noted as one of the key focus areas in obtaining clean audit opinion. SALGA will continue to raise the need for improved political leadership and succession planning for municipal leadership. With the upcoming 2011 local government elections and change in leadership we will continue to support municipalities in providing guidance for new councillors and training in municipalities.
In an effort to improve good governance and financial management, SALGA embarked on a drive to support councillors and officials through educating municipalities on good governance and leadership. SALGA initiated the Executive Municipal Leadership Development Programme (ELMDP) four years ago through the University of Pretoria and 1277 municipal councillors and officials graduate since 2006.
SALGA is continuously engaging national stakeholders in improving the functioning of Audit Committees and improving accountability at local level. The establishment Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC) will improve Council oversight at local level. SALGA is also a key stakeholder in the development and implementation of Turn Around Strategies Operation Clean Audit through providing training to councillors.
We recognise the improvements we have made but we will not rest until the challenges we are faced with are addressed. Ten years since the first local government elections we cannot plead ignorance but account for our errors and learn from them. Local government owes it to communities to deliver on the responsibility entrusted to it by communities.
Please click to view Report
