Speaker and hon members, to ensure good governance and accountability by the newly elected leadership at local government level, a councillor induction programme was conducted during the month of July 2011. It was well attended and went very well.
The programme focused on, among other things, the following areas: the structures and systems of local government; roles and responsibilities of municipal councils; personal and leadership skills; co-operative governance; municipal budgeting and financial management; and public participation. The induction programme is part of a major, intensive and ongoing training programme.
The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs has also, in conjunction with the National Treasury, developed guidelines for the establishment of Municipal Public Accounts Committees in order to strengthen the oversight measures in municipalities.
The committees, which are chaired by a councillor, will assist the council to hold the executive and municipal entities to account, and to ensure the efficient and effective use of municipal resources.
It is hoped that the committees will help to increase council and public awareness regarding the financial and general performance of municipalities. These are just some of government's concerted efforts to improve accountability and service delivery at a local government level, informed by the recommendations of the Auditor-General. I thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.]