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SA's Top Municipal Money Men Share Ideas03 October, 2007 By Gabi Khumalo and Yovini Pillay A lack of proper project management skills and advanced information technology literacy, including under-spending, are some of the difficulties facing municipalities. This concern was raised by the Institute of Municipal Finance Officers President, Victor Chuene, during the body’s three-day conference at Durban’s Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre last week. More than 1 100 delegates, including 70 exhibitors and 25 prominent speakers attended the conference. This year’s theme was the financial performance of municipalities and the impact on their citizens. Chuene, who is also an Audit Executive of Ekurhuleni Municipality, said there was a need to pay attention to the wellbeing of staff. Sustainable Welcoming delegates, Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo said that for any municipality to be able to help bring about growth, it must be able to manage its finances first. “No municipality will be able to achieve real sustainable development if it is not financially stable. We are the first generation with the knowledge, awareness and resources to eradicate poverty,” said Naidoo. He encouraged delegates to involve communities through mechanisms such as ward committees. Strategy consultant Tony Manning got the attention of the delegates with his presentation on delivering the service delivery dream. He said poor management, a skills deficit and corruption were among problems facing municipalities. Emfuleni Deputy Municipal Manager Hein Weis revealed that 771 cases of misconduct were reported in 2005/2006, including a 41% increase in cases reported by national departments. |
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