Amathole District Municipality (ADM) is working to improve ADM risk management and decision-making.
The municipality held a Strategic Risk Management Workshop on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. The event took place at the Osner Hotel.
ADM’s Risk Management Unit hosted the workshop. Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) Risk Advisor Vanessa Thurwell facilitated the session.
ADM Focuses on Risk Management
The workshop focused on how ADM can manage risks more effectively.
Officials looked at ways to identify, assess and reduce risks. They also discussed risks that could affect the municipality’s strategic goals.
ADM Municipal Manager Dr Bhekisisa Mthembu opened the session.
Mthembu said risk management must form part of the municipality’s daily work. He said officials should not treat it only as a compliance task.
He also stressed the need for timeous decisions. Good time management remains important as ADM works on its Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and Annual Performance Report (APR).
Officials discussed ways to spot risks before they cause problems. They also looked at practical steps to reduce their impact.
Officials Urged to Manage Risks
The workshop encouraged officials to focus on important and manageable risks.
These risks must link directly to ADM’s strategic goals. Officials were also urged to avoid creating long lists of risks that they cannot manage.
The local government election period also received attention.
Officials were urged to remain alert to possible compliance and supply chain risks. Managers must also take responsibility for risks in their departments.
They must ensure that their teams follow the correct policies and procedures.
Fraud Risks Also Discussed
Fraud risk management formed part of the workshop.
Officials discussed the need to look beyond the identification of fraud risks. They must also examine what causes these risks.
Weak internal controls can create opportunities for fraud. ADM officials were therefore encouraged to identify these weaknesses and take corrective action.
Institutional Risk Chairperson Kenneth Mafani said the workshop could help managers make better decisions.
Mafani said the session allowed officials to identify and assess risks that could affect ADM’s work.
He said ADM risk management should not focus only on compliance.
Instead, he said it should help managers make informed and timeous decisions.
Risk Plans Must Be Implemented
ADM Risk Manager Luxolo Bangani stressed the need to manage risks throughout project implementation.
He urged officials to discuss and adopt agreed risk action plans. He also called for the proper implementation of these plans.
Bangani described the workshop as an eye-opening session.
He said officials gained useful knowledge from the discussions. He also highlighted the need to review existing policies.
Where necessary, ADM should also develop new policies to address emerging risks.
Risk Management Is a Shared Responsibility
Audit Committee Chairperson Tembela Mnqeta closed the workshop.
Mnqeta said every municipal department has a role to play in risk management.
“Risk management is a shared responsibility. It doesn’t end here. We are here participating, but what are we doing going forward? Let’s apply risk within our specific departments and maintain proactive communication,” Mnqeta said.
The workshop ended with a call for officials to put what they learned into practice.
ADM says stronger risk management can help improve accountability and governance. It can also help managers make better and faster decisions.
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