The Chief Albert Luthuli (CAL) municipality lies in the scenic Mpumalanga grass and wetlands region of South Africa. This entire region boasts exceptional natural beauty surrounded by nature and game reserves. Making sure that all this beauty is maintained for residents and tourists alike, means that the municipality must protect its assets. The Chief Albert Luthuli municipality does this with a badge of excellence.
Four consecutive Unqualified Audit outcomes from the Auditor-General of South Africa
Since 32-year-old Gareth Mnisi was appointed to the position of CFO in the Albert Luthuli Local Government, in 2018, they have successfully obtained four consecutive Unqualified Audit outcomes from the Auditor-General of South Africa. These are exceptional results in this district.
Mnisi explains, “InzaloEMS was a key part of our success. Once we had their financial system in place, we were capable of making major improvements with good financial outcomes.”
Gained the confidence and trust of National Treasury
Their prudent management systems gained the confidence and trust of National Treasury which invested in the municipality. Their budget now stands at R 1.1 billion. They also managed to clear the R60-million arrear debt owed to Eskom and ensured honouring of the current account within the prescribed timeframes. The manner in which they have managed the Eskom account won them acknowledgement and awards.
Mnisi adds that InzaloEMS’ system had an enormous impact on their Audited Financial Statements through the quality of reporting and trial balances – one of the reasons for the huge improvement and sustained financial outcomes.
Over and above this, Mnisi pointed out that InzaloEMS’ internal controls guide his team to sort out some challenges by themselves. But if help is needed, the InzaloEMS team’s turn-around-time for fixing glitches and finding the root causes of problems is speedy, which he adds, is so important for staff morale.
Mnisi says he has built a very strong team who have been instrumental in the success that they have achieved by institutionalising the culture of hard work and dedication. “I am indeed very proud to be leading this dynamic, versatile and hardworking team of professionals,” he says.
“This partnership with our service provider has enabled us to provide perfect sets of financial statements.”
InzaloEMS also provides training sessions, conducts User Forums and updates systems, regularly. “This partnership with our service provider has enabled us to provide perfect sets of financial statements.”
The CAL municipality is a major player in the district and Mnisi often chairs financial forums so that others can learn from their successes. A financial system that can consolidate and draw reports is a strong incentive for other local governments to follow suite.
The CAL municipality has an excellent reputation
The CAL municipality has an excellent reputation and is one of the only municipalities in the area to receive Unqualified Audits. The Executive Mayor, Daniel Nkosi was re-elected as Mayor due to the excellent performance of the municipality. “This is a significant barometer to measure the capabilities of Chief Albert Luthuli’s fiduciary responsibilities and we are very proud of the collective good work,” says Mnisi.
“After receiving unqualified audits for four years in a row, we are so close to a Clean Audit report. Together with our partners InzaloEMS, we are looking forward to 2022’s outcomes.”
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