A Guide for Councillors

Understanding the Municipal Finance Management Act

Introduction

Meet our councillors Thandi, Johan, Nolisa and Si fi so are ward councillors at a medium-sized local municipality called Iketseseng.

HULLO, I ‛ M JOHAN I AM A NEW COUNCILLOR. I AM DETERMINED TO UNDERSTAND THE LEGISLATION I NEED TO KNOW SO THAT I CAN CARRY OUT MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A COUNCILLOR.

DUMELANG, I ‛ M NOLISA. I WANT A GOVERNMENT THAT REMAINS FAIR AND HONEST. IT MUST SERVE THE PEOPLE AND SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION.

HI GUYS! I ‛ M SIFISO. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE MUNICIPALITY IS SEEN TO BE SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE. THE PEOPLE NEED GOOD, AFFORDABLE SERVICE DELIVERY!

HI, I AM THANDI. I AM PROUD TO SERVE MY COMMUNITY. I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE A SAY IN MATTERS THAT AFFECT THEIR DAILY LIVES.

Good Governance: Good governance is when the government manages its resources ( fi nances, buildings, equipment) well and carries out policies in a way that meets the needs of the people it serves and provides good value for money to its citizens.

The Municipal Financial Management Act 2003 (MFMA) is one of the pieces of legislation that can help local government promote good governance in municipal councils.

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The Role of Councillors in Municipal Finance Management