Knysn'a chief financial officer, Grant Easton also won an award for his role in developing financial governance with local authorities.
Less than two months before leaving her office as municipal manager, Lauren Waring also attended the conference. Waring justified her presence at (probably her last) municipal conference, saying: "Apart from the IMFO conference, I had five additional meetings over the period regarding a variety of issues. It should also be noted that the municipal manager still has contractual obligation to serve the municipality until November 30. Until then I am legally responsible and is held accountable to perform all her duties as contained in her contract."
The director of technical services Michael Rhode, in his position as president of the South African Revenue Protection Agency (SARPA), also attended as an invited guest of the IMFO president, Louise Muller. Rhode also had three other meetings in Cape Town.
The other officials who attended the IMFO AGM were Bevan Ellman, (director: corporate services), Avita Sunkar (budget manager), Fredrie Kruger (manager: supply chain management) and Fibusiso Mcambele (chief accountant). Niel Metlerkamp (the audit committee chairperson) also went along.
The IMFO conference cost the municipality R49 054 in registration fees, said Waring. She did not comment on the travel, accommodation and other costs.
Waring explained that IMFO is a professional body focusing on training, advocacy and policy development. "In this respect it is very similar to other bodies, all of which municipal staff and councillors are expected to attend through the course of the year. It is the only entity which is held in high regard by all spheres of government, and assists government in dealing with local government finance issues. This was evidenced by the presence and input of the minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Pravin Gordhan."
Cape Town's executive mayor Patricia de Lille gives Knysna's executive deputy mayor Esme Edge a hug at the Institute of Municipal Finance Officers (IMFO) conference and annual general meeting.
ARTICLE: CHRISTO VERMAAK, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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