The Office of the Municipal Manager of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), operating from its head office in East London, serves as the strategic hub for ensuring effective governance, operational efficiency, and service delivery across the district. The directorate is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for all ADM departments, fostering robust financial management, and strengthening internal controls to achieve clean audit outcomes. It is focused on transitioning ADM from a rescue phase to stabilization, ultimately exiting the Mandatory Financial Recovery Plan, while enhancing performance management and public engagement. The office comprises two key units—Legal Services and Internal Audit & Risk Management—each reporting directly to the Municipal Manager to deliver on ADM’s mandate for accountable and transparent governance.
The directorate operates under key legislation, including the Municipal Systems Act, Municipal Finance Management Act, and other governance-related regulations. Its primary objectives include supporting all ADM directorates, ensuring reliable financial systems, improving internal controls for clean audits, enhancing satellite office functionality, delivering proactive communication on service interruptions, and promoting public participation to reduce vandalism and empower communities to protect municipal assets.
The Legal Services Unit provides critical guidance to ADM’s Council, ensuring compliance with all applicable legislation. It collaborates with departments to foster clean and accountable governance, minimizing legal risks through the development and maintenance of a fraud and risk register. This unit plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the institution against legal challenges and promoting ethical practices.
The Internal Audit & Risk Management Unit advises the Municipal Manager and reports to the audit committee on the implementation of the internal audit plan. It develops, communicates, coordinates, and monitors enterprise risk management activities across the municipality, ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of risks to enhance operational integrity and support clean audit outcomes.
The Office of the Municipal Manager collaborates with internal stakeholders, including all ADM directorates and the Council, to streamline operations and align with the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Externally, it engages with oversight bodies such as the Auditor General, National Treasury, and community stakeholders to foster transparency and public trust. Through proactive communication and robust governance mechanisms, the directorate drives ADM’s commitment to operational excellence, financial stability, and community-centered service delivery, ensuring a resilient and accountable municipality.