An air of gloom has settled over the City Hall after the Auditor General's report, discussed in Council last week, hauled Makana's administration over the coals.
And the municipality's bosses, bearing the brunt of the criticism, have revealed their frustration at what they say is a "sick" institution.
An air of gloom has settled over the City Hall after the Auditor General's report, discussed in Council last week, hauled Makana's administration over the coals.
And the municipality's bosses, bearing the brunt of the criticism, have revealed their frustration at what they say is a "sick" institution.
The Auditor General (AG) qualified its report on Makana Municipality for the financial year 2009/2010 with a formal Disclaimer. This means the AG declined to express an opinion on the financial position of the municipality because it had not been supplied with credible source documentation, or the audit was not broad enough in scope to enable them to form an opinion.
Makana Municipal Manager, Ntombi Baart, after summarising the draft annual report at a Special Council Meeting last Tuesday, spoke of her frustration at the fact that no matter how much hard work they put into service-delivery, year after year, the municipality was haunted by formal disclaimers and so-called adverse opinions – when the AG notes serious issues with the audit that must be addressed.
Baart noted that among the issues affecting the performance of the institution was staff leave. She described the institution as "sick", saying there were instances when she handed over a project to an employee, with clear instructions – and that person would suddenly take five weeks' leave.
She said there were currently about 12 pregnant employees. The continuous maternity leave requested by employees affected the institution's performance, she said.
The AG's report revealed that control over leave management was inadequate. Employees' leave was not captured timeously and attendance registers and leave forms were not adequately maintained, the report stated.
Makana Mayor, Vumile Lwana, said their motto was "Makana is a great place to be" – but this was hardly noticeable, because municipal employees seemed to be content with mediocre efforts. "Lets embrace a culture of performance," he said.
In a clear attempt to clear the atmosphere of gloom and doom that had settled over the meeting, DA Councillor, Lena May, said, "I want to congratulate the Municipal Manager, although there have been some ups and downs."
She said all employees, from general workers to management, needed to work together. According to local government regulations, members of the public must be given time to access copies of the annual report, so they can comment on the draft document before it is finally approved by the council, on or before the end of March.
Residents and stakeholders thus have until 28 February 2011 to comment on the draft Annual Report. The report includes interventions in response to the AG's report, such as the audit action plan, with management responses to the issues raised and a vigorous turnaround strategy.
