THE Institute of Municipal Finance Officers (IMFO) held a sod-turning turning ceremony on Friday, under the theme ‘Breaking new frontiers in advancing public sector governance.’
The ceremony was held at the address where the new building will be put up, at 28 Fortress Street in Rhodesfield.
IMFO is the recognised professional body for finance, audit, risk management, performance management and related professionals in the public sector. The institute was founded in 1929 and is dedicated to establishing and maintaining high standards of professionalism among practitioners by providing a framework for them to collectively enhance, maintain sustainable finance management and good governance in the management of public finance.
Sesula Jwili, IMFO past president, was the MC.
Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele was expected to give the welcoming address at the event but could not do so. He apologised for not being able to attend.
IMFO deputy chairperson and chairperson of the building committee, Sidwell Mofokeng, filled in.
“I am not the mayor, I am certainly more handsome than him,” he joked as he welcomed guests.
“Putting up this new building signifies that we are making strides in broadening the interest of professionalism within the public sector,” he added.
In attendance were past presidents of the institute and executives, as well as representatives from the Auditor General’s (AG) office amongst others.
Vusi Msibi from the AG’s office said challenges in municipalities included the uneven delivery of services.
“We want to collaborate with organisations such as IMFO to enable accountability of municipalities with a view to build public sector governance,” he said.
IMFO is celebrating 86 years.
The new building is said to be a response to the future objective the institute has set for itself. This includes strengthening the capacity of its members to play a meaningful professional role in managing public funds and providing citizens the highest assurance of integrity.
“This new building symbolizes new beginnings, a new chapter, and a new life in the public sector,” said IMFO’s current and its first female president, Jane Masiti.
