A Guide for Councillors

The Role of Councillors in Municipal Finance Management

Introduction

How the MFMA helps councillors Councillors are democratically elected. They have the right and responsibility to govern in a way that meets the needs of the communities that elected them. The municipality’s duty is to use the taxpayers’ money responsibly and to ensure that community needs are met in a cost-effective way. The law gives councillors the power to provide leadership and give direction to the municipality. They ensure that the municipality serves the citizens of that area properly.

THIS LAW HELPS MAKE SURE THAT THE MUNICIPALITY USES TAXPAYERS ‛ MONEY RESPONSIBLY.

WE CAN USE IT TO CHECK THAT MONEY IS USED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.

ALL MUNICIPALITIES HAVE TO COMPLY WITH THE MFMA. COUNCILLORS CAN USE THIS LAW TO HOLD MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE.

IT CAN REALLY HELP US TO ENSURE THAT SERVICE DELIVERY IS IMPROVED.

6

Understanding the Municipal Finance Management Act