Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo said the initiative was about more than securing clean audit outcomes. Image: Supplied.
Jacob Mamabolo
1Min
South Africa
Gauteng municipalities commit to year-round financial accountability
Gauteng municipalities have pledged to strengthen financial reporting and address audit weaknesses throughout the year as the province launches a new protocol aimed at improving audit readiness and restoring public confidence in local government.
The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), in partnership with the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), has launched a new protocol aimed at strengthening financial accountability and audit readiness across municipalities in the province.
The Gauteng Municipal Financial Accountability and Audit Readiness Pledge Signing Ceremony was held at the Brixton Multi-Purpose Centre, marking the launch of the Provincial Interim Financial Statement (IFS) Protocol.
The protocol forms part of the Governance workstream of the Gauteng Local Government Turnaround Strategy, which seeks to improve governance and financial management across municipalities.
Held under the theme, “From Year-End Audit Preparation to Continuous Audit Readiness: A Collective Commitment to Credible Municipal Financial Reporting”, the event saw stakeholders commit to strengthening financial accountability throughout the year.
Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo said the initiative was about more than securing clean audit outcomes.
“This protocol is not just about achieving clean audits. It is critical to building the sustainability, credibility and integrity of our institutions. This engagement is not just a technical exercise, we are seeking to rebuild trust with the people,” said Mamabolo.
The protocol establishes a coordinated framework for preparing and reviewing interim financial statements, allowing municipalities to identify reporting deficiencies early and implement corrective measures before submitting their Annual Financial Statements for audit.
It also sets out responsibilities for CoGTA, Gauteng Provincial Treasury, municipalities and AGSA, including information sharing, monitoring and the escalation of unresolved matters.
Among the commitments are maintaining reliable supporting records, conducting regular reconciliations, strengthening internal controls and addressing recurring audit findings.
Mamabolo said municipalities have an important role to play in supporting economic growth and ensuring public resources are properly accounted for.
“By all of us signing the protocol, we are recommitting ourselves to rebuild trust with the people. As the economic hub of our country, municipalities play an important role in growing the economy and creating jobs. This, we can achieve by ensuring that we account for the public resources,” he said.
Implementation of the protocol will now focus on confirming municipal readiness, agreeing on interim audit timelines, submitting financial statements and supporting documentation, and monitoring corrective action plans.
Gauteng CoGTA will continue working with Gauteng Provincial Treasury, municipalities, AGSA, the South African Local Government Association and other stakeholders to implement the commitments.
The department said the initiative is intended to support stronger financial governance, continuous audit readiness and improved public confidence in local government.
