Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality achieves 5th consecutive Clean Audit

22 January 2026

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has once again demonstrated its commitment to good governance and responsible financial management after receiving its fifth consecutive clean audit from the Auditor-General of South Africa for the 2024/2025 financial year. In a national environment where many municipalities continue to face governance and financial challenges, GRDM’s sustained clean audit record reinforces the Western Cape’s reputation for excellence in local government and positions the GRDM as a stable and trusted public institution.

With 5 Clean Audits under his leadership, Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager, said: “This achievement reflects our collective strong leadership, sound internal controls, and a culture of accountability across the organisation”.

“This outcome did not happen by chance, and I commend our staff for their professionalism and dedication in maintaining high standards year after year,” he said.

Executive Mayor Marais Kruger welcomed the audit outcome and congratulated Council, management, and staff on the milestone. “Achieving our fifth consecutive clean audit is a powerful signal of trust to our communities, stakeholders, and partners. It shows that Garden Route District Municipality manages public funds responsibly and that we take our governance responsibilities seriously. This achievement is the result of teamwork, discipline, and a shared commitment to doing what is right for the people we serve.”

Chief Financial Officer Rian Boshoff acknowledged the role of financial discipline and internal controls in sustaining clean administration. “Maintaining a clean audit requires continuous monitoring, prudent spending, and accountability at every level. I would like to thank all the officials that were involved in the audit process, management, and all departments for their commitment to safeguarding public resources.”

The Municipality’s Internal Audit and Risk Management functions continue to play a key role in monitoring that recommendations from the Auditor-General are addressed proactively and that governance systems remain strong and effective.

Chief Audit Executive, Pamela Lufele, said: “A fifth consecutive clean audit outcome reflects a strong control environment, effective governance structures, and management’s commitment to legislative requirements. The cooperation between management, internal audit, and external audit in addressing prior-year audit findings and emerging risks further ensures overall success.”

This fifth consecutive clean audit reinforces GRDM’s standing as a reliable, accountable, and well-governed municipality, working in partnership with local municipalities and communities to build a resilient and prosperous Garden Route.

“GRDM will now be able to finalise its oversight process by tabling the final Annual Report to the Audit Committee, Municipal Public Accounts Committee and ultimately to council for final adoption,“ said the Strategic Manager in the Office of the Municipal Manager, Mr Thembani Loliwe.

ENDS