SALGA Calls for strengthened accountability and governance following release of 2023/24 Municipal Audit Outcomes

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has welcomed the release of the Auditor-General's 2023/2024 Municipal Audit Outcomes and commended the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) for its continued efforts in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance within local government.

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In a follow-up media statement, SALGA extended its appreciation to all municipalities that submitted their Annual Financial Statements within the legislated timeframe and noted with encouragement the overall stability reflected in the audit outcomes, with 140 municipalities (55%) achieving unqualified and clean audit outcomes. These municipalities are responsible for managing over R378 billion, or 66% of the total local government budget of R575 billion - an indication that most public funds are being managed with a degree of accountability.

The increase in clean audits from 34 in 2022/23 to 41 in 2023/24 is commendable and reflects the commitment of municipal leadership and officials to uphold financial discipline, internal controls, and consequence management. This improvement must be sustained and scaled across all municipalities.

In the effort to improve sound financial management and governance over a 5-year period, a lot has been done, although much more effort and dedication should be encouraged to improve the overall sustainability in local government in the financial health and service delivery to its communities.

Urgent call to action: Addressing poor audit performance