Head of Public Sector Business at Standard Bank, Ben Pretorius, says high quality service delivery at local government level is crucial and the bank is proud to be associated with the objective of raising standards and strengthening the role played by accounting officers within the local government sector.
"ISAMAO gives municipal accounting officers a voice and we are excited to be a part of helping improve the role played by these professionals at local government level. A high standard of service delivery is an absolute necessity if South Africa is ever going to achieve its full potential," he says.
ISAMAO aims to provide municipal accounting officers with a structured platform through which their contributions on policy making in local government and in the public sector can be canvassed. The Institute also aims to professionalise the position of the municipal accounting officer (municipal managers) in South Africa.
"The Institute shall ensure that Municipal Accounting Officers that are struggling in certain areas leverage on best practices of those that are doing well thereby reducing reliance on consultants and wastage of scarce resources. The wellbeing of the Accounting Officers shall also be paramount to the Institute including programmes to avert executive stress and other occupational health related challenges. Indeed the Institute shall endeavour to protect and raise the burner of Municipal Accounting Officers high as professionals who are worthy of respect based on due recognition of their distinct skills, knowledge and abilities. The leadership of ISAMAO would like to, on behalf of the Municipal Managers countrywide, express our heartfelt gratitude to Standard Bank South Africa Limited for their contribution and support," said Dan Mashitisho, Chairman of ISAMAO.
"The development of local government could not be more important in South Africa, where regular service delivery protests keep holding the country back from achieving its true potential. It is imperative that world class financial services delivery can be achieved across both the private and public sectors. We look forward to playing a role in helping facilitate improvement and change in the public sector," concludes Pretorius.
