The OR Tambo District Municipality received a clean audit in its 2023/24 financial year. This was revealed in its State of the District address that was held earlier in the week in Port St. Johns. According to the Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana, this is all in honour of the ANC stalwart Oliver Regional Tambo.
This municipality has encountered various challenges that led to the acknowledgement of Section 216 of the constitution, which establishes the national treasury and prescribes measures to ensure transparency and expenditure control in all government spheres.
He cites the withdrawal of court cases against state entities as one notable achievement that demonstrates a commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation. Compilation of end-of-term report to assess municipality’s performance that also identifies areas of improvement.
This municipality has developed a turnaround plan that outlines strategies for better governance and economic management to enhance accountability and transparency. This has led to the municipality’s revised recovery plan.
In response, the municipality has devised a comprehensive Recovery Plan, which serves as a blueprint for its improvement efforts. This plan encompasses key areas such as sustainable community livelihoods, infrastructure development, water and sanitation provision, economic growth, and clean governance. By focusing on these crucial aspects, the municipality aims to foster development and uplift the lives of its residents.
He says the OR Tambo District Municipality is committed to enhancing departmental performance, eliminating fraud and corruption, and promoting ethical behaviour among its employees. They have also established a District Fraud Hotline that will serve as a whistle-blower to encourage reporting of any wrongdoings and the importance of financial disclosures from its staff, to ensure transparency in financial matters.
The municipality has prioritized an open dialogue that allows the exchange of ideas, concerns, and feedback, enabling the municipality to better address community needs and aspirations.
“To maximize the district’s strengths and minimize our weaknesses to make it possible to deliver better and quality services to the citizens of the district. We have already agreed as the Mayoral Committee that the performance of departments must improve and any performance below 90% will be subjected to consequences,” he added.
Furthermore, a Water Master Plan has been developed to tackle water supply backlogs and ensure sustainable access to clean water. This initiative reflects the municipality’s commitment to providing essential services to its residents and improving their quality of life.
In a bid to boost economic growth and empower local communities, the OR Tambo District Municipality has piloted initiatives to enhance primary production and establish a Cooperative Development Centre.
These efforts aim to create opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation, fostering self-reliance and sustainable development.
Despite these commendable endeavours, the municipality faces challenges with its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and capacity. Recognizing the importance of addressing these issues, assessments have been requested from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the National Treasury. By identifying areas for improvement, the municipality can take appropriate action to enhance its ICT capabilities.
The OR Tambo District Municipality remains steadfast in its commitment to overcoming challenges and improving governance. Through proactive measures, open communication, and strategic planning, the municipality aims to create a prosperous and sustainable future for its residents.
