​The annual Chartered Institute of Finance and Risk Officers (CIGFARO) began their three-day annual conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on a high note. The theme of the conference, which started on 20 September, was “New world, new thinking.” It placed an emphasis on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and how it has altered the finance and risk sectors.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda welcomed delegates and congratulated CIGFARO on its 92nd anniversary.

“The Institute continues to be dedicated to establishing and maintaining high standards of professionalism among practitioners,” he said. Mayor Kaunda said the pandemic has affected all municipalities, and, in most instances, funds have been re-directed to Covid-19 responses. This has made a significant impact on service delivery, he said.

“The current situation compels us to be innovative and creative to deal with challenges facing us today.” President of CIGFARO and Head of the City’s Revenue Management Unit Peet du Plessis said changes brought about by the pandemic have required them to re-think their current position as public sector officials and office bearers. “We have had to analyse the options available to improve service delivery to local communities,” he said.

Discussions around remote working, demands of the 4th industrial revolution, long-term recovery plans, financial sustainability, and fiscal resilience dominated the first day of the conference. The next two days of the conference are expected to focus on the future of work, best practices, public finance management and sustainable service delivery. The programme also features pertinent speakers on the District Development Model and consequence management.