Office of the Municipal Manager

Section: Strategic Management Services
Thembani Loliwe (Strategic Manager)

Tel: 044 803 1300
E-mail:  info@gardenroute.gov.za

Oversee that the following functions are executed according to Council’s mandate and legislative requirements:

• Internal Audit.
• Communication, Marketing and Brand Management.
• Risk Management.
• Legal Services.
• Training, Development and Garden Route Skills Mecca.

Sub-Section: Internal Audit
Pamela Lufele (Chief Audit Executive)

Tel: 044 803 1300
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za

Internal Audit is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve GRDM ’s operations. It helps GRDM to achieve its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.
The Chief Audit Executive (CAE), in the discharge of his duties, shall be accountable to the Audit and Performance Audit Committee to:

• Develop a three year strategic and flexible annual audit plan using the appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risks or control concerns identified by management and submit that plan to the Audit and Performance Audit Committee for review and approval;
• Implement the annual internal audit plan, as approved covering Section 165(2) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and, as appropriate, any special tasks or projects requested by management and the Audit and Performance Audit Committee;
• Issue at least quarterly reports to the Audit and Performance Audit Committee and management summarising results of audit activities;
• Establish policies and procedures to guide the Internal Audit Unit and direct its administrative functions;
• Provide an assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of GRDM ’s processes of controlling its activities;
• Report significant issues related to processes for controlling the activities of GRDM (including potential improvements to those processes) and provide information concerning such issues for further action by management.

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Sub-Section: Communication, Marketing and Brand Management
Herman Pieters (Manager: Communications)

Tel: 044 803 1419
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

1. Control the Municipality’s online, print and broadcast media content.
2. Determine communication strategies in order to deliver the communications objectives of the Municipality
3. Approve or recommend various communication plans for the Municipality
4. Manage all communications efforts of the Municipality, including public relations, advertising and marketing.
5. Promote and protect the institution’s brand on its official communication platforms.
6. Advise senior management and political leadership on appropriate responses to media queries.
7. Prepare and manage the Municipality’s communication, marketing and advertising budget.
8. Act as the spokesperson on certain municipal matters in accordance with the Communication Policy.
9. Manage media relations and maximize media opportunities.

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Sub-Section: Risk Management
Lauren James (Chief Risk Officer)

Tel: 044 803 1300
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za

Integrated Risk Management
We support the municipality’s departments in updating risk registers as and when needed as risks are identified and monitor and review all action plans documented in the risk registers to ensure that any risks which may impact the department’s ability to achieve their IDP (Integrated Development Plan) objectives are managed at an acceptable level. Integration from the IDP up to the SDBIP is our aim in identifying project risks before they even occur. Continuous monitoring on a monthly basis are done by the departments and KPI’s developed to ensure action plans are adequately addressed. Annual reviews of the Risk Management policy, framework and strategies and methodologies are maintained. Internal audit also provides an audit on a yearly basis to ensure compliance. The Internal audit “Risk Based Audit Plan” is developed from the medium to high-risk areas in the risk register. The function is regularly reviewed by the Risk Management Committee and APAC.

Compliance
We optimise assurance that the municipality complies with all relevant legislation within its departments. An electronic system is being used to monitor the compliance. This function is regularly reviewed by the Risk Management Committee and APAC. Internal audit also provides an audit on a yearly basis to ensure compliance.

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Sub-Section: Legal Services
Advocate Nadiema Davids (Manager: Legal Services)

Tel:  044 803 1300
Email: info@gardenroute.gov.za

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Drafting of legal opinions;
• Contracts Management (drafting of new or amended SLAs, lease agreements, etc.);
• Commenting on new and/or amended legislation;
• Instituting and/or defending legal matters;
• Ensuring compliance with applicable local government legislation;
• Drafting of policies and ensuring policies are updated annually and in line with the policy register;
• Hosting workshops and training sessions;
• Attending meetings (Council, BAC, Committee, MAYCO, etc.);
• Updating rules of order and delegations document; and
• Liaising with attorneys, management and staff.