RNM scoops top awards
The categories won by RNM were determined by the level of improved achievement of planned targets, service delivery indicators and audit outcomes.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) earned two awards at the Municipal Service Excellence Awards recently.
RNM was named the overall winner for its service delivery and budget implementation plan (SDBIP) in the 2021/2022 financial year.
The municipality also received the award for Best Developed Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
RNM was awarded at the Municipal Service Excellence Awards hosted by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall last week.
The awards handed over by KZN Cogta MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi were received by RNM mayor Zodwa Mzindle and RNM municipal manager Khetha Zulu.
During the 2021/2022 financial year, Sukhumbuzo Mqadi who is now the mayor of Ugu District Municipality, was the mayor of RNM and Max Mbili who now works for the KZN Department of Human Settlements and Public
Works was the municipal manager.
According to Sithole-Moloi, the categories won by RNM were determined by the level of improved achievement of planned targets, service delivery indicators and audit outcomes.
She said the awards are aimed at motivating municipalities to enhance their performance, productivity and innovation in service provision, as well as promote best practices.
She said municipalities in the province contested 17 categories which focused on municipal programmes such as financial management, sustainable electricity projects, Expanded Public Works Programmes, township cleanliness, functional waste management, clean audit, and disaster response among the categories.
“I must state that while acknowledging that, we are aware that not all municipalities have consistently met performance expectations, we have witnessed notable improvements in many of them. Therefore, it is imperative to honour those municipalities that have demonstrated excellence to commend their efforts and serve as a source of inspiration for others. Our adjudication committee looked into various aspects of municipal governance. While recognising that municipalities may not excel in all areas, mayors should demonstrate courage and commit themselves to achieving excellence in at least five key areas. By prioritising improvement in these areas, other units within the municipality are likely to follow suit over time,” she said.
She added that their vision as a department is to have all 54 municipalities functional to the best level, saying that this will undoubtedly impact the lives of people and portray a good image of government.
Meanwhile, Umuziwabantu Municipality in Harding bagged the Best Sustained Sound Financial Management award.
Sithole-Moloi acknowledged that there are municipalities not performing as expected, however, reassured that the department would continue its monitoring and intervene by invoking laws where necessary.
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