As far as ensuring that councillors understand the financial processes within local government, a group of Eden District Municipality’s councillors recently participated in a Generally Recognised Accounting Practices (GRAP) and Financial Statements Standards (FSS) training programme.

The training took place in the Municipality’s Council Chambers on Tuesday, 21 April 2015 and was conducted by facilitator Mr Daniël Erasmus, from Durchame Consultancy.  This service provider specialises in GRAP and other Financial Viability training programmes.

The main objective of the training is to give Councillors a better understanding of budget processes and financial statements, and to enhance their oversight role as councillors.

According to Mr Reginald Salmons, Eden District Municipality’s Skills Development Coordinator: “A total of 18 councillors participated in the first training programme and it is envisaged that the second group of Councillors will undergo the same training later this year. The cost of the course for both groups amounts to R32 000 for 50 Councillors in total.”

Speaker Doris Nayler commended the facilitator Mr Erasmus for the manner in which he facilitated the topics and said:  “We as councillors are very enthusiastic and open for new learning opportunities, considering our role in society to ensure that processes, most importantly financial processes, are better understood.  Thank you to all the councillors and members of staff for their participation and organising of this successful event.”