RESPONSIBLE & ACCOUNTABLE

INTERVIEW WITH CIGFARO PRESIDENT, PEET DU PLESSIS

The Chartered Institute of Government Finance and Risk Officers (CIGFARO) is recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a professional body furthering the interests and best practices regarding financial management in the public sector. CIGFARO seeks to further the interests of the public sector in the financial, internal audit, and related monitoring and management professions by advising institutions, commissions, and other bodies and persons. They advise within the national and provincial government spheres, as well as at related institutions and other recognised national associations, on matters affecting the public sector and financial viability and sustainability in particular.

What steps have been taken or processes put in place by CIGFARO to ensure corruption is rooted out?

Last year, we had a very successful 89th annual conference with an appropriate theme: “A new dawn for the public sector”. Key highlights of the conference were the constant reflection on the ethical behaviour and integrity of officials. CIGFARO as a professional body takes this matter seriously and subscribes to any initiative that will eradicate and prevent unethical behaviour.

In my address there was a call for us to be responsible and accountable managers who embrace the code of ethics which requires professionalism in the public sector.

How do you measure the institute’s success?

The success of professional institutions and associations is mainly reflected behind the scenes. We measure our success by how well our stakeholders are doing; our main role is to further the interest of the public sector in the financial and related professions by advising institutions, commissions, and other bodies and persons.

Are there any strategies CIGFARO has in place to promote accountability and good governance?

The institute would like to ensure that CIGFARO members are recognised nationally as adhering to a strict ethical code of conduct and work standard. Through this national recognition, we would like to hold our members to be fully accountable, to showcase an excellent work ethic and mentor our future government finance officials.

How has technology helped CIGFARO? Has it posed any challenges?

Introducing social media platforms to our members has been an exciting journey from which I believe we are all learning. We cannot ignore artificial intelligence and are continuously striving to optimise content relevant to our audience. This helps us to understand our customers and respond to their requirements.

What needs to be done in the broader sense to guarantee municipalities and other government departments are financially sustainable?

Local government is in the unique position of being able to raise funds. This privilege is not afforded, to the same extent, at provincial and national government levels – where the main income streams come from taxation and the raising of funds falls within the domain of a small number of departments.

In order to ensure sustainability, local government needs to look at the level of services required, the economic constraints and revenue potential for their particular area. This will determine the administrative systems and processes to be implemented, thereby ensuring correct and accurate billing and recovery. PEET DU PLESSIS

CONTACT DETAILS

Physical Address: 28 Fortress Street, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1620

Postal Address:

PO Box 4003, Kempton Park, 1620 Telephone: +27 (11) 394 0879 Fax: +27 (0)11 394 0886 +27 (0)11 975 8487 Email: ceo@cigfaro.co.za Website: www.cigfaro.co.za

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