Sixth consecutive clean audit rewarded
In a ceremony held on 19 February, the Auditor-General, Kimi Makwetu and the premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, conferred prestigious accolade for the clean audit report for the 2016/17 financial year to the executive mayor of Mossel Bay, Alderman Harry Levendal, and the municipal manager, Advocate Thys Giliomee.
It is the sixth consecutive clean audit award presented to the Mossel Bay Municipality.
"What the outcome of a clean audit suggests is that the correct processes were followed and transparency was observed," Makwetu said.
Premier Zille highlighted the role of a capable state to inspire public confidence and
‘What the outcome of a clean audit suggests is that the correct processes were followed and transparency was observed.’
said it was often under acknowledged.
“Effective democracies are underpinned by three principles, namely, a capable state, the rule of law, and accountability," said the premier. Western Cape Finance Minister, Dr Ivan Meyer, said the provincial government’s vision was one of good financial governance and improved service delivery. "We respect taxpayers' money and the audit outcome is proof of that."
Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister Anton Bredell said the outcomes for local government represented years of hard work at municipal level to improve governance. “The data shows the continued good management of taxpayers' money at a time when budgets are getting tight and there is no room left for waste and mismanagement.”
Bredell added that part of the good news story was that once-struggling municipalities such as Oudtshoorn and Kannaland - which owed utilities such as Eskom in excess of R40 million at one time - had now managed to settle their overdue accounts.
“Currently we are not aware of one municipality that is sitting with overdue accounts owed to a national entity. That is further evidence of good management being implemented.”