Eyes on Our Money: DOCRRA Given Permanent Observer Status at Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in KwaDukuza Municipality
DOCRRA is delighted to share that we have been given permanent observer status at all Municipal Public Accounts Committee meetings in KwaDukuza Municipality after our request tabled at the ‘25/’26 annual report oversight meetings was granted. DOCRRA will now be given access to attend these meetings throughout the year, whereas previously we were only invited to oversight sittings on the annual report. This marks a critical step forward in visibility and transparency when it comes to making sure ratepayer funds are spent responsibly, and in compliance with all municipal financial legislation.
Why is this Important?
The Municipal Public Accounts Committee, known as MPAC, is the committee tasked by Council to independently provide oversight into the proper management of public funds. Any suspected unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure is referred to MPAC for investigation so the appropriate recommendations can be made to Council regarding recovery or disciplinary proceedings, if applicable. They are also responsible for reviewing the annual report, monitoring performance and aligning with clean audit practices.
“We want to thank the Acting Municipal Manager, Mr. Khanyile, as well as the chairperson of MPAC, Councillor Mkhize, for granting this request”, said Mary Kassam, Chief Operating Officer at DOCRRA, “a clean government welcomes scrutiny and this is a step in the right direction.”
In the past, when items were referred to MPAC for investigation, all subsequent debate took place behind closed doors and often any outcomes would only come to light in the annual report. The ability to be present for meetings of MPAC throughout the year unlocks a new level of transparency and line-of-sight into the monitoring of the public purse that is unprecedented for our community.
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Thank you all for the incredible job that you do.
It’s a huge step, and commend your patience.
One particular item that concerned me at the budget review was the electricity haemorrhage that we experiencing with little concern about fixing the problem even though there were a number of people offering their assistance. The SCADA issue was also a worrying point. Will this transparency allow access to this problem as well?
Thank you all once again.
We are now in a position to hear decisions “from the horse’s mouth”.
Well done!