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Clean Audit

9 February 2026 Media Release: GRDM’s 5th Clean Audit and its Impact on Residents and Visitors

Media Release: GRDM’s 5th Clean Audit and its Impact on Residents and Visitors

9 February 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has proudly received its 5th consecutive, Clean Audit, an achievement that reflects strong financial management, good governance, and accountability. While many may see the term “clean audit” and scroll past it in the news, it is important to understand how it impacts the entire region.

What exactly is a clean audit?

A clean audit, also known as an unqualified audit opinion with no findings, is the best possible audit outcome a municipality can receive from the Auditor-General of South Africa. It is globally recognised as a stamp of “trust” for an institution.

Clean Audits indicate that a municipality’s activities are done responsibly, honestly and that the municipality reports accurately on its performance, and that it does this within the relevant laws and regulations of the country.

A clean audit outcome is the best possible audit result, where financial statements are free from material misstatements and there are no material findings on, or non-compliance with, key legislation and performance reporting. It indicates that an organization’s financial records are transparent, credible, and compliant with relevant standards.

Why do we want to achieve a clean audit every year?

A Clean Audit is about trust. The public expects a municipality to be honest and transparent about its management of public funds.  It also means the municipality has systems and practices that work well and can be replicated by other institutions.

Having a clean audit doesn’t always mean the municipality is delivering all services perfectly, no municipality is perfect. According to the Auditor-General, ‘clean municipalities’ plan effectively for service delivery, with performance indicators aligned to their mandate and core functions. They consider the needs of approved informal settlements, have accessible complaints management systems, and address service issues promptly.

What does a clean audit mean for communities?

A clean audit is not merely an achievement for a municipality; it is a strong testament to effective governance and accountability to the community it serves. It builds confidence among stakeholders and creates an environment that encourages investment, as businesses and investors are more likely to support a town or city that consistently meets its commitments and demonstrates sound financial and management practices.

  • Proper use of public funds: Money allocated for services such as roads, fire services, disaster management, and infrastructure are spent as planned and accounted for.
  • Improved service delivery: Proper financial management helps a municipality to plan better and deliver services more effectively. If planning is not in place, a municipality risks running out of funds, leading to little or no delivery of services.
  • Trust and accountability: Communities can have confidence that the Municipality is acting in their best interest and using taxpayer money responsibly. If people do not trust government, then why should they govern the people they are supposed to serve and help?
  • Attracting investment and support: Clean audits make areas more attractive to investors and improve their chances of securing grants, funding and long-term relationships. No company would like to start a business in a town where the roads are full of potholes because it would drive up insurance claims; a town where water is not delivered to homes and businesses, some businesses operate with thousands of litres of water a day.
  • Long-term sustainability: Good governance ensures that services can be maintained not only now, but also in the future.
  • Foundation for service delivery: While not guaranteeing perfect service delivery, it ensures that financial mismanagement is unlikely to be the cause of service delays.

How the community can support a clean audit

Communities can play an important role in ensuring municipalities manage their finances and services responsibly. Here’s how residents can help:

  1. Pay for services on time: Paying your rates, water, and other municipal services on time helps the municipality provide services properly. Without rates and taxes, a municipality will not be able to roll out projects or employ people to do the work.
  2. Report issues and complaints: Residents should report faults, service disruptions, or misuse of resources so they can fix them quickly.
  3. Participate in public meetings: Participate in ward meetings, budget consultations, and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) discussions to advocate for community needs and priorities. Municipalities strive to address the needs of their communities while ensuring the necessary maintenance and operations to keep services running effectively.
  4. Hold officials accountable: Engage actively by asking questions, staying informed, and providing feedback on municipal projects and expenditures to promote transparency. ​ Freedom of expression in the media also plays a vital role in highlighting questionable actions and holding municipalities accountable.

Four municipalities within the Garden Route District achieved clean audit outcomes for the 2024/25 financial year, namely the Garden Route District Municipality, George, Hessequa, and Mossel Bay Local Municipalities.

Achieving a clean audit once again is commendable but receiving it for the fifth consecutive time shows consistency, strong leadership, and a culture of accountability within the Municipality.

The Garden Route District Municipality acknowledges the dedication of its officials, management, and Council in achieving this milestone. Most importantly, this achievement belongs to the communities in the district, as it reflects the Municipality’s commitment to serving residents with integrity and responsibility.

“We remain focused on building on this success to ensure continued service excellence and positive outcomes for all communities in the Garden Route District.”

-END-

22 January 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality achieves 5th consecutive Clean Audit

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

3 October 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Honoured with Certificate of Achievement for Fourth Consecutive Clean Audit

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Honoured with Certificate of Achievement for Fourth Consecutive Clean Audit

3 October 2025

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has once again demonstrated its commitment to good governance and sound financial management. On 2 October 2025, at the Local Government Indaba in Johannesburg, the municipality received a prestigious Certificate of Achievement for obtaining a Clean Audit for the 2023/24 financial year. This is the fourth year in a row that GRDM achieved this milestone.

GRDM is among only 14 district municipalities, out of 44 across the country to receive this recognition. The certificate was presented by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, who commended the municipality’s dedication to accountability and transparency.

Accepting the certificate on behalf of the municipality, GRDM Municipal Manager, Mr. Monde Stratu, expressed pride in the achievement and acknowledged the collective effort behind the success.

The certificate of recognition reads:

“Your commitment to sound financial management, transparency, and good governance sets a benchmark for excellence in public service and inspires confidence in local government.”

Feature image: GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu (fourth from the right) receiving the award.

ENDS

01 December 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM achieves a hat-trick Clean Audit!

Garden Route DM achieves a hat-trick Clean Audit!

1 December 2023

It is with great excitement that we share with you that the Auditor General of South Africa announced late last night, 30 November 2023, that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) achieved its third (3rd) consecutive Clean Audit.

“Congratulations to all employees who worked tirelessly in the background to help us to achieve another huge milestone, this time around for the 2022/23 financial year,” said Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager.

The GRDM is committed to its culture of good governance, accountability, and sound financial management. The institution will keep the bar raised to the standard it has set out to.

ENDS

18 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM Municipal Health Services achieve a stellar 96.7% Compliance Rate

Garden Route DM Municipal Health Services achieve a stellar 96.7% Compliance Rate

For Immediate release
18 July 2023

The Western Cape Provincial Department of Health and Wellness conducted an audit of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Health Services in February 2023. It was recently made public that the GRDM achieved a 96.7% compliance rate.

The following municipal health-related KPIs and administration processes were audited: Client rights, operational management, facility and infrastructure, leadership and corporate governance, operational – vector control, environment pollution control, waste management, water quality monitoring, law enforcement, health surveillance of premises, etc.

The primary aims of Municipal Health Services are to promote health and to ensure a healthy environment for the community.

According to the Audit report summary, non-compliance was observed only in two areas: human resources and vector control. With a compliance rate of 96.7%, it is evident that the Community Services Department of GRDM are making substantial progress towards the goals outlined in the GRDM Integrated Development Plan (popularly known as an IDP), indicating a positive direction.

Feature image: An image depicting some of the functions of Municipal Health at the Garden Route District Municipality

AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING

Die Wes-Kaapse Provinsiale Departement van Gesondheid en Welstand het in Februarie 2023 ‘n oudit van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) Gesondheidsdienste uitgevoer. Dit is onlangs bekend gemaak dat die GRDM ‘n 96,7% voldoeningskoers behaal het.

Volgens die ouditverslagopsomming is twee areas wat ge-oudit is wat opgeskerp moet word: menslike hulpbronne en vektorbeheer. Met ‘n voldoeningskoers van 96.7%, is dit duidelik dat die Gemeenskapsdienstedepartement van GRDM aansienlike vordering maak in die rigting van die doelwitte soos uiteengesit in die GRDM GeĂŻntegreerde Ontwikkelingsplan (algemeen bekend as ‘n GOP), wat ‘n positiewe rigting aandui.

ENDS

 

13 July Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality’s Electronic Records Audit, well received

Garden Route District Municipality’s Electronic Records Audit, well received

For immediate release
13 July 2023

The Western Cape Archives and Records Services (WCARS) conducted an Electronic Records Audit at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on Tuesday 4 July 2023. As part of the process, an Electronic Records Management Survey was provided to complete, prior to the Audit in order to determine if the GRDM complies with the law.

After completion of the audit process, the WCARS recommended that a Records Control Schedule and the Registry Procedure Manual become part of the Electronic System. This means that the retention periods of records should also be incorporated into the electronic system. They also needed clarity regarding the metadata that is electronically backed up, as well as the Electronic Records Disaster Management Plan.

Government bodies have increased the use of electronic systems to conduct their business significantly which changed the manner of how records are created and being stored. Electronic recordkeeping poses particular challenges to governmental bodies and the National Archives and Records Services, both which need to ensure that trustworthy records are being maintained over time as evidence of official business for Accountability, Operational Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Institutional and Social Memory. With paper-based records a well-structured file plan is maintained, and the records are physically protected, the evidence they contain remains accessible and readable over time. Due to rapid changes in technology the same cannot be said of electronic records.

The WCARS was pleased with the outcomes of the GRDM Audit and furthermore expressed their satisfaction with GRDM’s electronic system that was in place and operational. After also visiting the GRDM Registry Office, the team were furthermore impressed by the layout of the office and how daily operations are managed.

Feature Image: Yolandi Dyantyi (Supervisor) and Gideon Joubert, Senior Registry Clerk/Fleet (right), proud officials of the Records & Archives section at Garden Route District Municipality, who assisted the Western Cape Archives and Records Services (WCARS) team during the Electronic Records Audit.

END

6 June 2023 Media Release: Second Consecutive Clean Audit for Garden Route District Municipality

 Second Consecutive Clean Audit for Garden Route District Municipality

For Immediate Release
6 June 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently garnered a remarkable achievement, earning recognition from the Western Cape Government (WCG) for securing its second consecutive Clean Audit. This recognition was again highlighted after an announcement was made last year by the Auditor General (AG). This time during a Western Cape Ministerial and Mayoral Forum held in Saldanha where the Auditor General.

The GRDM is one of 21 Western Cape Municipalities out of 38 across the country that obtained a clean audit. There are 257 municipalities in South Africa, which means 14,79% of municipalities in South Africa managed to obtain a Clean Audit.

A Clean Audit signifies the meticulous financial management and accountability demonstrated by a municipality. It serves as a testament to the effective utilisation of public funds, ensuring transparency, and the absence of any irregularities or misappropriation. By achieving a Clean Audit for two consecutive years, GRDM exemplifies its commitment to sound financial practices, thereby fostering trust and confidence among its constituents.

The GRDM’s success not only enhances its standing within the region but also serves as an inspiration for others to emulate similar standards of excellence.

The municipalities of the Western Cape, 21 of 38 in the country, who obtained Clean Audits.

Feature image caption: Monde Stratu (GRDM Municipal Manager and head of the GRDM administration) presenting the Clean Audit Trophee. To his right is GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, who officially received the Clean Audit award in Saldanha.

𝗧𝘄đ—Čđ—Čđ—±đ—Č 𝗼𝗮𝘁đ—Č𝗿đ—Čđ—Čđ—»đ˜ƒđ—Œđ—č𝗮đ—Čđ—»đ—±đ—Č đ˜€đ—žđ—Œđ—Œđ—» đ—Œđ˜‚đ—±đ—¶đ˜ đ˜ƒđ—¶đ—ż đ—šđ—źđ—żđ—±đ—Čđ—» đ—„đ—Œđ˜‚đ˜đ—Č đ——đ—¶đ˜€đ˜đ—żđ—¶đ—žđ˜€đ—șđ˜‚đ—»đ—¶đ˜€đ—¶đ—œđ—źđ—čđ—¶đ˜đ—Čđ—¶đ˜

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) het onlangs ‘n merkwaardige prestasie behaal en het erkenning van die Wes-Kaapse Regering (WKR) gekry vir die verkryging van sy tweede agtereenvolgende Skoon Oudit. Hierdie erkenning is weer aan GRDM verleen nadat dit laas Desember bekend gemaak is. Hierdie keer was GRDM herken tydens ‘n Minister en Burgemeestersforum wat in Saldanha gehou is.

Die GRDM is een van 21 Wes-Kaapse munisipaliteite uit 38 regoor die land wat ’n skoon oudit gekry het. Daar is 257 munisipaliteite in Suid-Afrika, wat beteken 14,79% van munisipaliteite in Suid-Afrika het daarin geslaag om ‘n Skoon Oudit te verkry.

‘n Skoon Oudit dui op die noukeurige finansiĂ«le bestuur en aanspreeklikheid wat deur ‘n munisipaliteit getoon word. Dit dien as ‘n bewys van die doeltreffende aanwending van openbare fondse, wat deursigtigheid verseker, en die afwesigheid van enige onreĂ«lmatighede of wanbesteding. Deur ‘n Skoon Oudit vir twee opeenvolgende jare te behaal, toon GRDM sy verbintenis tot gesonde finansiĂ«le praktyke, waardeur vertroue en vertroue onder sy kiesers bevorder word.

Die GRDM se sukses verbeter nie net sy aansien in die streek nie, maar dien ook as ‘n inspirasie vir ander om soortgelyke standaarde van uitnemendheid na te volg.

đ—šđ—Łđ—”đ—¶đ—°đ—Œđ˜đ—”đ—Œ đ—č𝘄đ—Čđ—Šđ—¶đ—Żđ—¶đ—»đ—¶ đ—Œđ—č𝘂đ—čđ—źđ—»đ—±đ—Čđ—čđ—Čđ—čđ—źđ—»đ—źđ˜†đ—Œ đ—Œđ—čđ˜‚đ—°đ—Œđ—°đ—Čđ—žđ—¶đ—čđ—Čđ˜†đ—Œ đ—žđ˜‚đ— đ—źđ˜€đ—¶đ—œđ—źđ—č𝗼 𝘄đ—Čđ—Šđ—¶đ˜đ—”đ—¶đ—čđ—¶ 𝘀𝗼𝘀đ—Čđ—šđ—źđ—żđ—±đ—Čđ—» đ—„đ—Œđ˜‚đ˜đ—Č

UMasipala weSithili seGarden Route (i-GRDM) kutshanje uye wafumana impumelelo encomekayo, wafumana ukuvunywa kuRhulumente weNtshona Koloni (WCG) ngokuqinisekisa uPhicotho-zincwadi olucocekileyo lwesibini olulandelelanayo. Oku kwamkelwa kwakhona kwaphawulwa emva kwesibhengezo esenziwe kunyaka ophelileyo nguMphicothi-zincwadi Jikelele (AG). Ngeli xesha leqonga lemibutho yezendibandiselwano kaMphathiswa weNtshona Koloni kunye noSodolophu ebibanjelwe eSaldanha.

đ—šđ— đ—źđ˜€đ—¶đ—œđ—źđ—č𝗼 𝘄đ—Čđ—Šđ—¶đ˜đ—”đ—¶đ—čđ—¶ 𝘀đ—Čđ—šđ—źđ—żđ—±đ—Čđ—» đ—„đ—Œđ˜‚đ˜đ—Č đ—»đ—Žđ—Œđ—șđ—»đ˜†đ—Č đ˜„đ—Œđ—Œđ—șđ—źđ˜€đ—¶đ—œđ—źđ—č𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝘀đ—Čđ—Ąđ˜đ˜€đ—”đ—Œđ—»đ—ź đ—žđ—Œđ—čđ—Œđ—»đ—¶ đ—źđ—Żđ—źđ—»đ—Žđ—źđ—ș𝗼-𝟼𝟭 đ—žđ˜„đ—źđ—Żđ—źđ—»đ—Žđ—źđ—ș𝗼-𝟯𝟮 đ—žđ˜„đ—¶đ—čđ—¶đ˜‡đ˜„đ—Č đ—čđ—Œđ—»đ—žđ—Č 𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗳𝘂đ—șđ—Čđ—»đ—Č đ˜‚đ—œđ—”đ—¶đ—°đ—Œđ˜đ—”đ—Œ-đ˜‡đ—¶đ—»đ—°đ˜„đ—źđ—±đ—¶ đ—Œđ—čđ˜‚đ—»đ—Žđ—Čđ—»đ—źđ˜‡đ—¶đ—œđ—”đ—Čđ—»đ—Č. đ—žđ˜‚đ—žđ—”đ—Œ đ—Œđ—Œđ—șđ—źđ˜€đ—¶đ—œđ—źđ—č𝗼 đ—źđ—Żđ—źđ—»đ—Žđ—źđ—ș𝗼-đŸźđŸ±đŸł đ—Čđ— đ˜‡đ—źđ—»đ˜đ˜€đ—¶ đ—”đ—łđ—żđ—¶đ—žđ—ź, đ—¶đ—»đ˜đ—Œ đ—Čđ˜đ—”đ—Čđ˜đ—”đ—ź 𝘂𝗾𝘂𝗯𝗼 đ—¶-𝟭𝟰.đŸłđŸ”% đ˜†đ—Œđ—Œđ—șđ—źđ˜€đ—¶đ—œđ—źđ—č𝗼 đ—Čđ— đ˜‡đ—źđ—»đ˜đ˜€đ—¶ đ—”đ—łđ—żđ—¶đ—žđ—ź đ—Żđ—źđ—žđ˜„đ—źđ˜‡đ—¶đ—čđ—Č 𝘂𝗾𝘂𝗳𝘂đ—șđ—źđ—»đ—ź đ˜‚đ—Łđ—”đ—¶đ—°đ—Œđ˜đ—”đ—Œ-đ˜‡đ—¶đ—»đ—°đ˜„đ—źđ—±đ—¶ đ—Œđ—čđ˜‚đ—°đ—Œđ—°đ—Čđ—žđ—¶đ—čđ—Čđ˜†đ—Œ.

Uphicotho-zincwadi olucocekileyo lubonakalisa ulawulo lwemali olucokisekileyo kunye noxanduva olubonakaliswa ngumasipala. Lusebenza njengobungqina bokusetyenziswa ngokukuko kwemali karhulumente, ukuqinisekisa ukuba izinto ziselubala, nokungabikho kwazo naziphi na iziphene okanye ukusetyenziswa gwenxa. Ngokufezekisa uPhicotho olucocekileyo lweminyaka emibini elandelelanayo, i-GRDM ingumzekelo wokuzibophelela kwayo kwimisebenzi yezemali ephilileyo, ngaloo ndlela ikhuthaza ukuthembana nokuzithemba phakathi kwamalungu.

Impumelelo kaMasipala weSithili seGarden Route ayiphuculi nje ukuma kwayo ngaphakathi kwingingqi kodwa ikwasebenza njengenkuthazo kwabanye ukuba balandele imigangatho efanayo yokugqwesa.

2 December 2022 Media Release: Another clean audit for Garden Route DM – a promise kept!

Media Release: Another clean audit for Garden Route DM – a promise kept!

For Immediate Release
2 December 2022

As promised, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has maintained its clean audit outcome. The culture of good governance and accountability remains unmatched when comparing the GRDM to some of the 44 district municipalities in South Africa.

The fiscal discipline, rigid financial planning, and continuous oversight, combined with hundreds of internal controls added to the institution’s achievement. Clean audits and improvements by municipalities reflect the tone set by municipal managers and institutions.

Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager proudly boasted about the achievement. “We’ve consistently worked on instilling a culture of being accountable and improving controls to sustain the Clean Audit Outcome.”

“I am also very proud of everyone who worked in the background to help us achieve such a wonderful milestone, it was a team effort,” said Stratu.

The Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, expressed his gratitude to the entire municipality, in particular, the Municipal Manager and Financial Services Department. It is an honour for us to be part of the Western Cape, a province that sets the highest standard of financial management in South Africa.” According to the Auditor General’s report to Parliament on 23 November, the Western Cape continues to be the province with the highest number of clean audit outcomes.

When presenting the Audit Outcome to a Combined Municipal Public Accounts Committee and Audit Committee of GRDM, Ashiq Allie, the Manager AGSA for the GRDM audit, congratulated the institution for achieving a clean audit outcome for the financial year under review. The Final Audit Report was submitted to the Municipality on 30 November 2022. He also commented that he knows it takes a lot of work on the ground to maintain a clean audit and that it is a combination of hard work by management and taking the AG’s findings seriously over the years.

MPAC Chairperson Cllr Danie Acker expressed gratitude to employees and Council for their commitment to a clean audit report. He further elaborated on the fact that the audit outcome is proof that coalition governments can work because they keep things together. “I am extremely proud and honoured about this achievement.”

ENDS

Notes by the editor:

Municipal managers are responsible for preparing and fairly representing their institution’s financial statements in accordance with the Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) and the requirements of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. The Auditor General conducts an audit in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs).

6 December 2021 Media Release: Garden Route DM celebrates Clean Audit and commits to retain it

Media Release: Garden Route DM celebrates Clean Audit and commits to retain it

For Immediate Release
6 December 2021

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce that it has achieved a clean audit outcome for the 2020/2021 financial year. A clean audit is an unqualified audit opinion, with no findings, issued by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) during their audit on financial statements, annual performance report and compliance to legislation.

This outstanding achievement confirms that the GRDM spent the public funds according to the applicable laws, regulations and policies.

Watch the video:

Nine (9) months ago, GRDM reported that it had missed a clean audit because of one finding. However, the municipality gradually addressed all the issues that the AGSA raised in the past while ensuring its financial management ethos at all levels of the organisation were enhanced. “We have instilled a culture of sound financial management, prudent financial choices, efficiency and accountability,” said Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager.  “We will do our very best to retain a clean audit for years to come and not to drop our standards,” he said.

Re-elected GRDM Executive Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen says that although South Africa faces a challenging economic situation, those in the Garden Route and investors can be assured that the Municipality remains committed to good governance.

“We will continue to spend public money to the best of our ability.”

Booysen hopes that this achievement will inspire other municipalities in the Garden Route to do better and improve governance. Mayor Booysen also made particular reference to Dr Adele Potgieter, Independent Member and Chairperson of the Audit and Performance Audit Committee (APAC) and her team for the oversight they provided on the Municipality’s financial reporting process. Other members of APAC at GRDM include Advocate Derick Block, Geoff Stenekamp and Suren Maharaj.

Also, Ald. Booysen extended his appreciation to Cllr Clodia Lichaba, Chairperson: Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) and her fellow Councillors who exercised oversight over the executive functionaries of the council to ensure good governance in the institution.

Jan-Willem De Jager, Chief Financial Officer and Thembani Loliwe, Strategic Manager, also played a pivotal role in ensuring that the GRDM achieved a clean audit status. They worked hand in hand to ensure the municipality’s Operational Clean Audit Report (OPCAR) was implemented in response to the AGSA Management Reports from the previous financial years. “Various controls had to be put in place to ensure that the AG did not find similar issues as last year,” said Loliwe. “To mention just one example of control improvement, during the 2017/18 financial year, procurement through the supply chain deviation process was valued at more than R23 000 000 and in 2020/21 financial year that amount has reduced to less than R2 000 000, which is a result of thorough control interventions”  added Loliwe.

“During their audit, the AGSA focused on bulk infrastructure, supply chain management, and financial statements.”

De Jager specifically referenced the strides the GRDM made with procurement. “This year, we had no findings on procurement.”

The CFO has also shared his thank yous to officials who engaged with the AG because it was done in a respectful manner. The AGSA has been victimised for years in other parts of the country, where they often receive death threats, get offered bribes and are victims of intimidation.

GRDM remains committed to ensuring that it has all preventative controls in place and good governance, as organisational culture, continues for years to come. The audit outcome is, therefore, is a result of a concerted effort by all officials to ensure that good governance and sound financial management remain at the heart of what we do at the Municipality,” said Monde Stratu.

ENDS