Office of the Municipal Manager

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.

Sub-Section: Performance Management
Ilse Abrahams (Performance Manager)

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

Organisational Performance

A Performance Management System can be defined as a strategic approach to management, which equips councillors, managers, employees and stakeholders at different levels with a set of tools and techniques to regularly plan, continuously monitor, periodically measure and review performance of the organisation in terms of indicators and targets for efficiency, effectiveness and impact. This system will, therefore, in turn, ensure that all the councillors, managers and individuals in the municipality are held accountable for their actions which should bring about improved service delivery and value for money.

Performance management is aimed at ensuring that municipalities monitor their IDPs and continuously improve their operations and regarding Section 19 of the Local Government Municipal Structures Act (MSA), that they annually review their overall performance in achieving their constitutional objectives. The performance management system can assist to make a significant contribution to organisational and individual performance. The system is designed to improve strategic focus and organisational effectiveness through continually seeking to improve the performance of the municipality as a whole and the individuals in it.

Individual Performance

The performance of a municipality is integrally linked to that of staff. It is therefore important to link organisational performance to individual performance and to manage both at the same time, but separately.

Although legislation requires that the municipal manager, and managers directly accountable to the municipal manager, sign formal performance contracts, it is also a requirement that all employees have performance plans.  These must be aligned with the individual performance plan of the head of the directorate and job descriptions. In this way, all employees are working towards a common goal. It is, however,  the responsibility of the employer, to create an environment, which the employees can deliver the objectives and the targets set for them in their performance plans and job descriptions.

Sub-Section: Policy Research and Development
Nontobeko Klaas

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

The Unit manages research, development, and coordination of policies in a municipal context. This includes conducting policy research, providing analytical and interpretive input, and contributing to effective policy and strategy development. The Unit also coordinates and develops models in response to specific policy needs, manages research projects, and monitors project deliverables.

The Unit requires administrative duties such as updating policy registers and it is required to submit assessment reports on policies to the management committee and council and prepare items to be tabled to the Council.

Sub-Section: Communication and Graphic Design
Herman Pieters (Manager: Communications)

Tel: 044 803 1300
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.

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.

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.

Sub-Section: Political Support
Siphiwe Dladla (Chief of Staff)

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

The Political Office, in particular the Chief of Staff, offers a comprehensive range of services to support political office bearers, ensuring their smooth and effective operation. Firstly, the incumbent provides administrative support services, which encompass various tasks vital to their daily functioning. In addition, our office support services are tailored to meet the unique needs of political officeholders, enhancing their productivity and efficiency. Moreover, the position requires expertise to several political office projects, where the office is required to plan, execute, and oversee political initiatives.