A Guide for Councillors

Part 3 Understanding the Municipal Finance Management Act

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT AS COUNCILLORS WE UPHOLD THE LAW AND CODE OF CONDUCT IN ALL OUR DEALINGS. THIS WILL ENHANCE THE PEOPLE ‛ S CONFIDENCE IN GOVERNMENT.

3.4 Fighting corruption

The public ‛ s perception of a municipality is important

Municipalities are required to guard against corruption and waste of public resources. Legislation has been introduced to: prohibit illegitimate business activity of public employees and of fi cials improve tender practices promote transparency facilitate prompt payment for goods and services monitor performance management. The speaker and the municipal manager are required to report corrupt practices by councillors and of fi cials. Codes of conduct for councillors and of fi cials Formal codes of conduct for councillors and of fi cials are important to promote sound • • • • •

governance and accountability. The codes of conduct aim to:

ensure transparency in decision-making ensure ethical behaviour. The code of conduct applies to all aspects of budget and fi nancial management. • •

The Municipal Systems Act (2000) sets out: A code of conduct for councillors A code of conduct for municipal staff members. • •

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The Role of Councillors in Municipal Finance Management