Thami Dhladhla and Thembelihle Radebe
The City of Johannesburg hosted an induction for Municipal Entities and Group Advisory Committees at the iconic Soweto Theatre, organised by the City’s Group Governance Department, on Thursday, 3 October 2024.
The event brought together incoming non-executive directors, independent audit committee members, and advisory committee members for a day of learning and leadership development.
The Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, urged attendees to uphold the core principles of accountability, transparency, participatory democracy, and efficient service delivery — key ingredients for transforming Johannesburg into a world-class African city.
He emphasised the pivotal role of non-executive directors in maintaining good governance and ensuring public trust. He further called on them to lead with integrity and fairness, adhering to the King Code and ethical governance standards.
“We expect nothing less from you than to exemplify the highest standards of integrity and fairness. It is your responsibility to restore confidence in the governance of our entities, on behalf of the residents of Johannesburg,” said Cllr Sekwaila.
This year’s induction theme underscored the growing need for non-executive directors and independent audit committee members to take a proactive approach to ensuring municipal entities remain accountable to their shareholders — the citizens and the City of Johannesburg. The theme emphasised strategic oversight, transparent decision-making, and alignment with shareholder priorities to fulfil fiduciary duties and drive sustainable outcomes.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, Cllr Margaret Arnolds highlighted the need for strong leadership to drive performance.
“Johannesburg demands results. As a board, your duty is to ensure the executive team delivers on the strategic objectives of the Integrated Development Plan. We must set clear performance targets and act decisively when necessary to ensure the people of Johannesburg receive the services they deserve,” said Cllr Arnolds.
Throughout the day, various speakers, including the City’s administrative leaders, provided valuable insights on governance, strategic decision-making, and the responsibilities of non-executive directors. These sessions were designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate their roles effectively.
Advocate Mlandu Kona, the Head of the Group Governance Department, reiterated the City’s unwavering commitment to robust governance and effective collaboration across all City entities. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the City’s governance framework supports improved service delivery and high standards of accountability.
The induction marked a significant step in preparing Johannesburg’s future leadership, ensuring they are ready to uphold the values of good governance and drive sustainable progress in the City’s pursuit of becoming a world-class African city.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
