The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Modimolle-Mookgophong will request full disclosure by the Acting Municipal Manager, Charles Malema, on the delegates and costs of attendance of the annual conference hosted by the Chartered Institute of Governance, Finance, Audit and Risk Officers (CIGFARO) from 6 to 9 October 2025.
The theme of the annual conference being held in Durban at the International Convention Centre is “Reviewing the Fundamentals of Public Finance in a changing world”
The value these conferences contribute to capacity building of municipal officials is undeniable, but only if suitable officials are nominated to attend.
Modimolle-Mookgophong is in a governance crisis; political divisions, a rogue and ill-disciplined council which presides over a ghost budget and expenditure of R4.2 million on consultants’ fees during the 2023/2024 financial year.
Unless attendance of the conference yields a positive contribution to improve the dismal financial state of the municipality, the conservative estimation of R200 000 spent to attend will be a waste of scarce public resources; something Modimolle-Mookgophong can ill-afford.
The DA will request a report on who attended and in what capacity, all expenditure and comprehensive feedback as well implementable proposals to improve the municipality’s finances from delegates who attended.
Ordinary residents and ratepayers daily suffer the consequences of financial mismanagement and expenditure of conferences attended must have proven value.