LIMPOPO – The Greater Giyani Municipality has appointed Masindi Raliphada as its new chief financial officer (CFO), with effect February 1.

Raliphada, who was born in Gogobole village in the Sinthumule area, brings extensive experience in financial management and auditing. She previously served in senior audit and executive roles at the Auditor-General of South Africa, as well as at the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Her professional background includes work across national, provincial and local government, as well as exposure to the private sector.

The municipality said it is confident that her appointment will strengthen financial governance and support efforts to achieve a clean audit opinion. Raliphada becomes the fourth woman to join the municipality’s senior management team, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gender representation at leadership level.

Mayor Thandi Zitha congratulated Raliphada on behalf of council, saying the recruitment process was thorough and resulted in the appointment of the most suitable candidate.

“The process has been finalised and the best candidate has been appointed. We believe she will play a key role in improving the Auditor-General’s opinion on the municipality’s financial matters,” said Zitha.

Raliphada said she was ready to take on the role and excited to be part of the Greater Giyani Municipality team. She emphasised the importance of accountability and timely financial reporting by all employees. “We have policies in place, but implementation is not always consistent. Strengthening accountability is key,” she said.

She added that her primary focus would be on supporting efficient service delivery through teamwork and cooperation with stakeholders. “I am here to advance the municipality’s mandate of delivering effective services. I will work to the best of my ability, with a positive attitude, to help improve financial management and work towards a clean audit,” said Raliphada.