Who’s the boss?

The Executive Mayor is essentially the ‘boss’ or executive head but any leader is only as good as its people and the sharing of common purpose between the political and administrative arms of a municipality. The Executive Mayor accepts ultimate accountability but is guided, informed and supported by Council.

Aside many other functions, key responsibilities of an Executive Mayor typically include:

• Overseeing and monitoring the provision of sustainable public service.
• Appointing members of the Mayoral Committee, and delegating responsibilities.
• Drafting and overseeing an integrated development plan for the region.
• Tabling budgets at a Council meeting.
• Determining the likelihood of the municipality complying with MFMA and other legislation.
• Considering unexpected or unavoidable expenditure not provided for.
• Determining and monitoring the powers, functions, and duties of the key administrative leaders (Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer).
• Coordinating the preparation of annual budgeting.
• Ensuring that the Municipal Manager’s KRA’s align with the strategy and development plan.

These are all essential administrative functions which don’t address the true power of an inspired Executive Mayor, such as:

• Setting a vision and aligning both the political and administrative arms to a common purpose.
• Developing values which bind behaviour throughout the political and administrative arms of the municipality. These values should extend to partner suppliers.
• Motivating and inspiring councillors, executive, managers, and officials alike to deliver optimal performance.
• Ensuring that the environment is conducive for the growth and development of officials, ensuring sustained performance and succession planning.

“The consistent performance of Weskus Distrik speaks volumes about the quality of our leadership and people at all levels. While there is a separation of power between the political and administration which is essential for clean governance and service delivery, we all share a common desire to deliver purposeful service delivery. This does not happen by accident but requires hard work, determination, passion, and belief in our purpose”.

Cllr NS (Kallie) Louw
Speaker
Weskus Distrik