A Guide for Councillors

Part 1 Understanding the Municipal Finance Management Act

It is important for councillors to always be aware of community needs and look for ways they can improve services: think ahead, what services would you like for your community in a few years time? visit your ward regularly listen to community problems and needs be aware of developments in other municipalities – they may have good ideas. • • • •

Overseeing municipal activities

IF THE MUNICIPALITY DOES NOT MANAGE ITS FINANCES WELL, IT WILL NOT DELIVER ON ITS PROMISES. WE ALSO NEED TO BE SURE THAT WE STICK TO THE POLICIES WE MADE AS A COUNCIL.

WE GET FINANCIAL REPORTS EVERY MONTH. WE ALSO GET REPORTS ON SERVICE DELIVERY AND BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION. WE SHOULD LOOK AT THEM TO SEE IF THE SPENDING IS ACCORDING TO WHAT IS BUDGETED AND TO LOOK AT HOW MUCH MONEY IS COMING IN. WE SHOULD ALSO MAKE SURE THAT THE WORK BEING DONE IS IN LINE WITH THE IDP.

THIS IS IMPORTANT, BUT HOW DO WE DO IT?

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The Role of Councillors in Municipal Finance Management