ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY STRENGTHENS GOOD GOVERNANCE DRIVE TO ACHIEVE CLEAN AUDIT
The importance of good governance, accountability, and consequence management took centre stage at eThekwini Municipality’s Good Governance Seminar as the City continues its drive towards achieving a clean audit.
Held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday under the theme, “Strengthening Municipal Accountability and Enhancing Public Value Through Good Governance,”the seminar brought together Municipal leaders, governance practitioners, and stakeholders to strengthen accountability mechanisms, promote ethical leadership, and reinforce sound financial management.
Addressing delegates, eThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni emphasised the importance of consequence management, sound administration, curbing irregular expenditure, and promoting good governance in all work undertaken by City officials.
“Good governance is not merely a topic for discussion. It is a daily pledge that defines our sacred duty to the people of eThekwini,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Myeni noted that while the Municipality has consistently received unqualified audit opinions since its inception, achieving a clean audit remains an attainable goal.
“We must support efforts to reduce unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure by ensuring that all processes are followed correctly, from the initiation of a project through to its completion,” she said.
She added that officials must demonstrate measurable progress by rigorously implementing audit action plans, improving contract management, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring accountability for any transgressions.
The seminar aimed to strengthen understanding of the role of internal audit, build institutional resilience, enhance public trust, and explore how technology can be leveraged to improve service delivery.
Participants were also equipped with practical insights to support effective governance and decision-making.
Acting City Manager Lindo Mkhize emphasised the importance of responsible financial management and service delivery.
“Every rand spent must translate into meaningful benefits for our communities. We are not judged by the size of our budget, but by the quality of services delivered and the courage of our leadership,” he said.
Delegates also engaged on topics including the accountability ecosystem, consequence management, challenges and successes relating to unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, ethical leadership, organisational resilience, and the use of technology to position the Municipality as a future-fit institution.
Chief Audit Executive Mapule Radebe said the seminar provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of governance, risk management, business continuity, and accountability.
She said the event also aimed to elevate the profile of the audit and governance profession within eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, and nationally through greater collaboration with stakeholders.
The seminar forms part of the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance systems, improve accountability, enhance public confidence, and support its journey towards achieving a clean audit.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
