Women in municipalities honoured for outstanding work

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA), in partnership with Munsoft, honoured some of South Africa’s outstanding female leaders in municipal management and service delivery at a gala event held at the Birchwood Hotel recently.

The Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Tania Campbell, was one of the women who received an award.

The awards were a way to recognise excellence by women in municipal management demonstrated through both service delivery and good governance, as evidenced through clean audits.

Munsoft, a partner to more than 70 municipalities in South Africa, is the country’s homegrown developer of world-class financial management systems deployed and managed in a growing number of both urban and rural municipalities around the country.

Natalie Khambi, the regional client relations director, said Munsoft was born out of the desire to support municipalities through long-term partnerships, ensuring that municipalities are run in the best way possible.

“Munsoft has chosen to partner with SALGA to put a spotlight on women who are at the forefront of service delivery, responsible for clean audit outcomes and positive turnarounds in their respective municipalities,” added Khambi.

In attendance were among others the executive leadership of SALGA, executive mayors, municipal managers, councillors, as well as a surprise guest- Africa’s celebrated fashion design icon David Tlale.

“With the high unemployment rate and the rising cost of living in South Africa, municipalities will come under increasing pressure to deliver essential services to their communities,” cautioned Khambi.

SALGA resident Bheke Stofile said shareholders in the business of local government, who are our communities, wanted a return on their investment and that return is quality service.

Khambi said now more than ever before, municipal leaders both men and women, needed to rise to the occasion and be the pillars of society.

“But without a good handle on their financial matters, the most well-conceived plans will not produce the desired results. As Munsoft we consider ourselves quite fortunate to be in a position where we can lend a hand by providing a platform for municipalities to effectively and efficiently manage their financial affairs,” she added.

This year, SALGA honoured 13 women leading municipalities that achieved clean audits, an improvement from the previous reporting period where only nine women-led municipalities were recognised.

More than 500 guests from municipalities around the country were invited to the SALGA Women’s Commission-organised event. Munsoft was the headline sponsor of the event.

The women celebrated included Patience Semakaleng Mamello Leteba from Ulundini Municipality, Daniswa Mafumbatha from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality, Nomvuyo Mposelwa from Joe Gqabi District, Tania Campbell from the City of Ekurhuleni, Jesta Sidell from Ehlanzeni District, Leah Moriti Mabuza from Nkangala District, Unondumiso Buda from Frances Baard District, Pulane Queen Mogatle from John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Gesie van Deventer from Stellenbosch Municipality, MC Basson from Z Mgzawu District, Antoinette Steyn from Breede Valley, Dr Elna von Schlicht from Cape Winelands District and Dr Annelie Rabie from Overstrand.

“I am honoured to be among the female mayors recognised for their bit towards improving the lives of our people. It would be remiss of me if I do not sound my heartfelt appreciation to the city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, also a female leader in our municipality and all members of the council for working-side-by-side with me in ensuring good governance in the city,” said Campbell.

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