Public finance chiefs told to clean up the books as Durban conference opens
The 97th CIGFARO conference hears calls for honest reporting, ethical leadership and better use of every rand as municipalities battle strained budgets.
Public finance leaders and governance experts have called for stronger accountability, ethical leadership and innovation to rebuild public trust and strengthen service delivery in South Africa.
The call was made at the 97th Annual Chartered Institute of Government Finance Audit and Risk Officers (CIGFARO) Conference, underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
The three-day gathering, held under the theme “Reimagining Public Finance Leadership for a Changing South Africa”, kicked off on Tuesday. It brings together public sector leaders, finance professionals, governance experts, auditors, risk practitioners, policymakers and strategic stakeholders from across the country.
CIGFARO President Louise Muller said the organisation remains committed to promoting ethical conduct, technical excellence and lifelong learning among professionals working in public finance.
“CIGFARO has been a professional organisation, championing ethical conduct, technical excellence, and lifelong learning in a sector that is fundamental in South Africa’s democracy,” Muller said.
Minister of Public Service and Administration Mzamo Buthelezi told delegates that transparent and accurate financial reporting is essential to restoring confidence in public institutions.
“Report honestly, your books must be clear. You will then have restored faith that public finance officials can be trusted. This is a history of stewardship, and this is how generations will judge you,” Buthelezi said.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thulasizwe Buthelezi said sound public finance management should translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“When budgets are passed, it is our intention to make a tangible difference, uplift the vulnerable, drive economic growth, and make sure every rand is accounted for,” the MEC said.
He called for agile, inclusive and data-driven approaches to public finance, with greater emphasis on long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains.
eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba said the conference theme reflects the challenges facing local government, where municipalities are expected to deliver services amid constrained resources, growing infrastructure demands, rising community expectations and financial pressures.
“Modern leadership must connect finance, infrastructure, technology, revenue management, and operations. Infrastructure is both balance sheet and street. Deterioration of municipal assets is a financial and service-delivery risk. Deterioration is outpacing replacement and upgrading capacity,” Xaba said.
The first day of the conference focused on digital transformation, resilience in public finance, women in leadership and the Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts. An exhibition area allows delegates to engage with organisations and stakeholders working in the public finance and governance sectors.
Grace Martinez, president of the Global Federation of Public Finance Associations, is among the special guests, marking her first visit to Durban.
Source: SAnews (South African Government News Agency), https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/conference-focuses-stronger-public-finance-leadership
