Chairperson, the question from the hon T B Mathibe is as follows: What is the role of the National Treasury in dealing with financial misconduct in the local government sphere? And, what measures are in place to improve financial transparency and governance processes at the local government level? The answer to the question is as follows: Firstly, hon members would know that the legal framework is the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa which provides that accountability for municipal functions, service delivery and its finances rests with the municipal council.
This responsibility is discharged by the Mayor, local councillors and municipal manager who is appointed as head of the administration. It is only after a municipality has failed to discharge its responsibility or to investigate an allegation of
financial misconduct or offence that the National Treasury or the relevant provincial Treasury made direct that the allegations be investigated. Therefore, the first line of responsibility is the municipal council and the council must therefore take its full responsibility.
The National Treasury has a general monitoring and supporting role when it comes to the implementation of the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as the financial misconduct regulations. The National Treasury has firstly supported municipalities and provincial Treasury by providing on going training to officials, councillors and members of the disciplinary boards to support the implementation of the regulations. Support was also provided through the Municipal Finance Management Act help desk established to assist municipal officials and councillors. I thank you.