Haartebeesfontein- In a decisive move to transform municipalities’ audit reputation, the North
West Provincial Treasury convened a high-level stakeholder engagement session on Municipal
Finance Management Act (MFMA) Audit Cycle Readiness ahead of the 2024/25 Annual Financial
Statements (AFS) submission deadline at the end of August.
The session which aimed to strengthen municipal compliance and improve audit outcomes brought together key stakeholders
such as National Treasury, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(CoGTA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Office of the AuditorGeneral (AG), and representatives from 22 provincial municipalities.
Delivering a compelling address, Auditor-General Mthokozisi Sibisi called for a collective
commitment to change the province’s reputation for poor audit outcomes.
The Auditor-General issued a clear call to action:
“Enough is enough. It is time to rebrand the North West Province by turning the tide on poor audit
outcomes. Communities are weary of negative perceptions, and municipalities must confront the
gaps head-on. This proactive engagement before the audit cycle begins, is a critical step toward
credible financial reporting and improved service delivery.”
“Support mechanisms like today’s session will help municipalities to compile credible financial
statements timeously, which may significantly improve audit results and municipal functionality,”
he said.
He also welcomed the province’s development of an Audit Improvement Strategy (2024/25–
2028/29) as a bold framework for long-term transformation and highlighted the importance of the Quadrilateral Consolidated Support Plan, which outlines coordinated support to municipalities focused on key drivers of audit opinion enhancement.
Officials from top-performing municipalities, including the City of Ekurhuleni and Capricorn District
Municipality shared best practices, emphasizing financial discipline, minimal reliance on
consultants, robust internal audit processes, and a culture of compliance as key to their success.
Head of Department, Ndlela Kunene, described the session as unprecedented and pivotal.
“For the first time, we are creating a platform for all key role players to engage directly on
overcoming barriers to credible financial reporting,” Kunene said. “The time for reactive responses
is over. Municipalities must now implement tangible post-audit action plans that address root
causes, establish steering committees, and meet regularly to drive progress toward clean audits.”
Kunene further urged municipalities to demonstrate commitment by working closely with the
Provincial Government and ensuring that the right personnel are allocated to implement agreed
support interventions.
The Provincial Treasury reiterates its unwavering support for municipalities in this endeavor and
remains committed to fostering a culture of accountability, compliance, and improved governance
across the province.
The session concluded with a unified pledge to sustain this momentum and transform the North
West Province into a benchmark for good governance and fiscal accountability.
End
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Issued by North West Provincial Treasury contact
For more information or clarity do not hesitate to call Ms Kesalopa Gill @018-388 3584/1363
or email kgill@nwpg.gov.za
Or
Lesedi Makhubela on 0621032798 or email connielesedi@gmail.com