Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), in conjunction with members from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General, is set to undertake a significant joint oversight visit to the Free State this week. This initiative aims to enhance municipal governance and ensure greater accountability within the province.
This oversight visit is being conducted in collaboration with various provincial oversight bodies, including the Free State legislature, the Office of the Premier, and the Office of the MEC for COGTA. The joint effort underscores the importance of a coordinated approach to addressing the challenges faced by municipalities in the region.
The impetus for this oversight visit stems from the disappointing municipal audit outcomes for the 2023/24 financial year. In response to these poor results, Parliament has resolved to prioritize political accountability through this joint parliamentary oversight strategy. The Auditor-General’s report highlighted several municipalities in the Free State and the North West as some of the worst performers in the country. Consequently, the new oversight approach is being piloted first in the Free State, followed by the North West, before being rolled out to other provinces.
This bold initiative by Parliament is a testament to its commitment to ensuring accountability and implementing effective consequence management. The ultimate goal is to restore public trust in municipal governance and demonstrate that corrective actions are being taken to address the identified shortcomings.
The public is encouraged to attend and observe the proceedings, as this transparency is crucial for fostering trust and engagement between the government and its citizens. By witnessing the oversight process firsthand, the public can gain a better understanding of the efforts being made to improve governance and accountability at the municipal level. This initiative not only aims to address current issues but also sets a precedent for future oversight activities across the country.
