Mosenogi aim for credible financial reporting as municipalities submit Annual Financial Statements


  

Picture: The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

2 September 2026 – The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi said her department marked the statutory submission of the 2025/26 Annual Financial Statements by all municipalities, shifting the province focus from year-end preparation to the credibility of financial reporting, audit responsiveness and corrective action. Mosenogi during the ceremonial handover of the Annual Financial Statements said the submission is a clear foundational value of accountability to the people of North West.

She further said they have gathered to ensure that municipalities fulfil this legal duty and submit their Annual Financial Statements to the Auditor General as prescribed in section 126 (1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) No. 56 of 2003. Mosenogi added that the  Annual Financial Statements provides a formal account of each municipality’s financial position and performance for the year ended 30 June 2026.

“They are submitted for independent audit and enable councils, communities and oversight institutions to assess how public resources were managed. The submission follows a province-wide readiness process involving all 22 municipalities. The process examined more than anticipated compliance with the 31 August deadline.

“It sought to establish outstanding work, major reporting risks, accountable officials, corrective actions and the support required by each municipality. The support of Provincial Treasury, COGTA and SALGA has been intensified to ensure that the provincial government continues to monitor, coordinate, advise and provide technical support,” she said.

Mosenogi said this support is important, but it does not transfer the statutory accountability of the municipality to a supporting institution. She said it is expected that after submission to the Auditor General, municipalities must support the audit process.

“Municipalities must maintain a clear audit-liaison process so that requests from the Auditor-General are logged, allocated to responsible officials and answered within the required timeframes. The objective of the provincial government is to ensure that municipalities can maintain sound records, operate effective controls and prepare credible financial statements as a normal function of administration.

“We must continuously encourage municipalities to build capacity within their Budget and Treasury Offices and substantially reduce their reliance on consultants. The encouraging stance taken by Ratlou Local Municipality and others of preparing the AFS using internal resources must be encouraged and supported,” said Mosenogi.

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North West traditional authorities to receive financial transaction reports 


By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho said, in collaboration with the North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Office of the Premier, is set to embark on a series of roadshows aimed at providing traditional authorities with the information related to financial transactions effected since 1994 of their respective councils. 

Rosho said these roadshows mark a significant step towards fostering transparency, collaboration and accountability within our traditional communities. She further said the initiative will kick-start on 16 April 2024, starting in Phokeng with Dikgosi in the Rustenburg and Mankwe areas. 

“This will be followed by Madikwe, Moeretele, Madibeng, Lehurutshe, Ditsobotla, Molopo, Taung and Ganyesa respectively. The exercise is envisaged to be concluded during mid-May. 

“The exercise underscores the North West Provincial Government’s recognition of Dikgosi as indispensable partners in driving sustainable development within our traditional communities,” said Rosho. 

She added that their profound understanding of local needs and cultural nuances, serves as a cornerstone for effective governance and community empowerment. Rosho said this effort will address the historical concerns surrounding the transparency of the D-Account, currently under the management of Standard Bank of South Africa. 

“The past shortcomings have led to feelings of mistrust and a sense of disconnection among Dikgosi regarding decision-making processes. The NWPG acknowledges these challenges and is resolutely committed to implementing stringent protocols to address them. 

“Going forward, Dikgosi will be provided with regular reports and will play a more significant role in overseeing the allocation of resources. By fostering clear and open communication channels, the government aims to rebuild trust and ensure that Dikgosi are fully informed and engaged in decision-making processes that impact their communities,” said Rosho.

She said the roadshows represent a vital opportunity for dialogue, collaboration and mutual understanding between the government and traditional authorities. Rosho said through transparent and collaborative efforts, they are poised to utilise available resources effectively, empower the communities and build a brighter future for all. 

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