Hope for beleaguered CHDM
New CFO finally appointed, and efficient service delivery his priority
‘‘ WE NEED TO TIGHTEN INTERNAL CONTROLS AND SYSTEMS. MPHUMLELI DYUSHU CHDM chief financial officer
The Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) has finally appointed a chief financial officer (CFO), who plans to meet with ratepayers and iron out issues pertaining to the municipality s billing system,
’ among others.
The newly appointed CFO, Mphumleli Dyushu, who started work on January 6, said he favoured an open-door policy that would make provision for community formations to raise their issues on behalf of the greater part of the residents of CHDM. My plan is simple to take
“— this municipality back to the people. Our public relations (PR) strategy should not be about banners brandishing our name and logo, but about the work we do and the services we provide to residents of this area. I want municipal projects and efficient service delivery to be our PR strategy.”
Dyushu said his plans included the improvement of audit outcomes and that he would be meeting the municipality s ’ management to discuss the matter. The meeting with management “is to discuss issues outlined by the auditor general (AG). We will be very strict about compliance because it speaks to some of the issues the AG usually highlights in government. This will be done in line with the district municipality s
’ local economic development (LED) strategy to ensure we deliver what the people of Chris Hani expect from us.”
Asked whether cost-cutting measures were part of his plan, Dyushu said that was not the priority but that it was an important activity that would be implemented on a last-resort basis. Cost-cutting measures will be
“the last resort because we do not want to do it recklessly. What is important is to identify what is important for the municipality to thrive, and deal with those first. We need to identify efficiencies we can leverage on, and tighten internal controls and systems.”
The CFO worked as the director of budget, planning and reporting at the provincial department of rural development and agrarian reform for almost six years before joining the district municipality.
He holds a BComm from the University of Fort Hare, and is currently studying towards his master s degree in commerce,
’ specialising in development finance, through the University of Cape Town.
Dyushu attained all his local government qualifications from the University of Johannesburg, as well as a post-graduate diploma in forensic investigations.
He has worked as an accounting and business studies lecturer at Lovedale College, a state accountant for the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture and supply chain officer at the Ngqushwa local municipality among others.
He is registered with the South Africa Institute of Professional Accountants.
CHDM executive mayor Wongama Gela said the appointment was made to stabilise the municipality which wanted a government that was adequately capacitated by highly skilled and competent people.
We have always been on a “good standing politically, but have faced challenges administratively because we had a number of people in acting positions. We hope to be operating at full capacity from February 3.”