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2026 CIGFARO ANNUAL CONFERENCE @DURBAN ICC

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The Chartered Institute of Government Finance, Audit and Risk Officers (CIGFARO) is delighted to invite you to attend the 97th Annual Conference, scheduled to take place from 05–08 October 2026 at the Durban ICC, KwaZulu- Natal under the theme: “Reimagining Public Finance Leadership for a Changing South Africa.”

“Leadership is not about adapting to change only — it is about shaping the future through accountability, innovation, and purposeful governance.”
— John C. Maxwell

This prestigious annual gathering will bring together public sector leaders, finance professionals, governance experts, auditors, risk practitioners, policymakers, and strategic stakeholders from across South Africa to engage on the future of public finance leadership and institutional transformation.

The conference will provide a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing on critical issues shaping the public sector landscape. Delegates can look forward to insightful keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, technical presentations, and networking opportunities focused on strengthening leadership, accountability, innovation, and resilience within the public sector.

Participants will gain valuable insights into emerging governance trends, public finance reforms, ethical leadership, digital transformation, risk management, service delivery improvement, and strategies for building capable and sustainable institutions in an evolving South African environment.

Conference Dates: 05–08 October 2026
Venue: Durban ICC, KwaZulu- Natal

Registration Fees:
Early Bird Fees
CIGFARO Members: R8 450
Non-Members (Government): R9 605
Private Sector: R11 660

From 1 September 2026

CIGFARO Members: R9 295
Non-Members (Government): R10 565
Private Sector: R12 826


Registration Closing Date:01 October 2026


Target Audience:
Executive Mayors, Mayors, Councillors, Municipal Managers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Audit Executives, Chief Risk Officers, Directors and Senior Managers, Internal Auditors, Risk Management Practitioners, Supply Chain Management Officials, Governance and Compliance Practitioners, MPAC Chairpersons and Members, Provincial and National Treasury Officials, State-Owned Entity Representatives, Academics, Policymakers, and other public sector finance, audit, governance, and risk professionals.

CIGFARO looks forward to welcoming you to Durban for what promises to be a highly impactful, insightful, and memorable 97th Annual Conference.


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Presentations

Session times: Africa/Johannesburg

Masterclass 1Masterclass 2Masterclass 3
Session timeProgramme / SessionPresenters / Session Team
12:00 – 17:00 Registration & Late Registrations
Concurrent Master Classes
Session time: 14:00 – 17:00
14:00 – 17:00 Building Financial Resilience in a Time of Fiscal Uncertainty
Concurrent session
  • Managing shrinking budgets and increasing service delivery demands
  • Financial risk management and contingency planning
  • Strengthening institutional resilience
  • Best practices for sustainable public financial management
Staff Support:
Lebohang Mkhabela
Board Support:
Zinzi Mphahlele
Facilitator:
Mirriam Sunda- CIGFARO
Main Presenter:
Khomotso Letsatsi- Financial and Fiscal Commission
Panel Members:
  • Yvonne Malesa- JB Marks Municipality
  • Sarah Dunmun-uMlalazi Municipality
14:00 – 17:00 Digital Innovation and Data-Driven Decision-Making in Public Finance
Concurrent session
  • Leveraging data analytics for improved financial planning
  • Digital transformation in financial management systems
  • Artificial Intelligence and automation in public finance
  • Enhancing transparency and accountability through technology
Staff Support:
Nontobeko Ntini
Board Support:
Claire van der Poll
Facilitator:
Katlego Masemola- Orion Cyber
Main presenter:
Thenzie Stewart-CSIR
Panel Members:
  • Xolile Mdluli- National Treasury
  • Yamkela Mehlomakulu- Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury
  • Koketso Moeng- Ntiyiso Consulting
14:00 – 17:00 The Power of Public Speaking in Leadership:
Concurrent session
  • Exploring the role of professional and effective communication in governance and leadership.
Staff Support:
Amanda Magadze
Board Support:
Maphefo Mgadi
Facilitator:
Lucas Raphela- National School of Government
Main Presenter:
Dr Lakela Kaunda- National School of Government
Panel Members:
  • Phumla Williams- National School of Government
  • Maria Makhongela- CIGFARO
Louise MullerCllr Cyril XabaNkululeko DungaUna Rautenbach
Session timeProgramme / SessionPresenters / Session Team
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: ENKROMELLE ANDREW
BOARD SUPPORT: MARIA MAKHONGELA
07:30 – 08:30 Late Registration outside the Conference Hall
08:30 – 09:00 Entertainment
09:00 – 09:10 National Anthem
09:10 – 09:15 Safety Officer Presentation
Presenter:
Durban ICC
09:15 – 09:30 Conference Introduction
Presenter:
Program Director
09:30 – 10:00 Host City Welcoming Address
  • Executive Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba
  • Mayor of eThekwini Municipality
Presenter:
Executive Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba Mayor of eThekwini Municipality
10:00 – 10:30 CIGFARO Presidential Address & Opening of the Conference
  • Louise Muller
  • CIGFARO President
Presenter:
Louise Muller CIGFARO President
10:30 – 10:45 Words of Support from the Office of the KZN Premier
  • Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi
  • MEC of KZN COGTA
Presenter:
Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi MEC of KZN COGTA
10:45 – 11:00 Words of Support: Global Federation of Public Finance Association
  • Grace Martinez
  • GFOA President
Presenter:
Grace Martinez GFOA President
11:00 – 11:15 Words of Support by Platinum Sponsor
  • Nicholas Maweni
  • Munsoft
Presenter:
Nicholas Maweni Munsoft
11:15 – 12:00 Keynote Address:
  • Reimagining Public Finance Leadership for a Changing South Africa
  • Economic outlook
  • Public sector transformation
  • Leadership imperatives for the future
  • Mzamo Buthelezi
  • Minister of Public Service and Administration
Presenter:
Mzamo Buthelezi Minister of Public Service and Administration
12:00 – 13:00 LUNCH BREAK AND VIEWING OF EXHIBITION STANDS
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
ENKROMELLE ANDREW
BOARD SUPPORT:
NAKISANI MATHOBO
13:00 – 13:30 How are Public Finance Leaders navigating digital transformation for the future of public finance?
  • Prof Tankiso Moloi
  • University of Johannesburg
Presenter:
Prof Tankiso Moloi University of Johannesburg
13:30 – 14:00 Building Inclusive and Resilient Public Finance Leadership
  • Nkululeko Dunga
  • Gauteng MEC of Finance
Presenter:
Nkululeko Dunga Gauteng MEC of Finance
14:00 – 15:00 Panel discussion: Women in Public Finance Leadership: Influencing Change and Driving Impact
Facilitator:
Cherly Reddy- Past President CIGFARO
Panel Members:
  • Nosipho Nkomo- CCG Systems
  • Louise Muller- CIGFARO President
  • Thenzie Stewart-CSIR
  • Yvonne Malesa- JB Marks Municipality
15:00 – 15:15 Words of Support by Diamond Sponsor
  • Dick Mgubeni
  • Fleet Horizon
Presenter:
Dick Mgubeni Fleet Horizon
15:15 – 16:00 Reimagining Public Finance Leadership: mSCOA as the Foundation for Transparency and Accountability
  • Una Rautenbach
  • National Treasury
Presenter:
Una Rautenbach National Treasury
16:00 – 16:05 Conference Closure
Presenter:
Enkromelle Andrew
16:15 – 17:00 CIGFARO AGM – All
16:00 – 17:00 Viewing of the Exhibitors stands
19:00 – 22:00 Welcoming Function
  • Awards
Prof. Zamokuhle MbandlwaDr Andrew SiddleMFMAPFMAAudit Risk & PerfICTMFMA1UIFWGRAP
Session timeProgramme / SessionPresenters / Session TeamFocus Area / Venue
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: ANDILE MAKHANDA- MUNSOFT
BOARD SUPPORT: ASMA SHEIK
07:30 – 08:30 VIEWING OF THE EXHIBITION STANDS
Presenter:
EXHIBITION HALL
08:30 – 09:00 Recap of the previous day and set the tone for the day
09:00 – 10:00 Public Sector Case Studies and Best Practice Showcases
  • Prof. Zamokuhle Mbandlwa
  • Durban University Technology
Presenter:
Prof. Zamokuhle Mbandlwa Durban University Technology
10:00 – 11:00 Panel Discussion:
  • Professionalisation: Building a Competent, Ethical and Future-Ready Public Finance Profession
Staff Support:
Facilitator:
Andile Makhanda- Munsoft
Main Presenter:
Dr Andrew Siddle- Public Governance and Policy Consultant
Panel Members:
  • Annalene Marias-CIGFARO
  • Phillip Rakgwale- SAIGA
  • Lesego Komane-National School of Government
11:00 – 11:30 REFRESHMENTS
BREAKAWAY SESSIONS CONCURRENT
11:30 – 13:30 Strengthening Governance, Accountability and Public Trust
Concurrent session
Staff Support:
Nontobeko Ntini
Board Member:
Wiseman Dlamini
Facilitator:
Maphefo Mgadi
Main Presenter:
Adv. Dinkie Portia Dube-Public Protector South Africa
Panel Members:
  • Patrick Mcklein-Siyancuma Local Municipality
  • Cllr Muzi Mtshali- King Cetshwayo District Municipality
  • Bongani Mdletshe- National Treasury
  • Cllr Bheke Stofile-SALGA
  • Nhlamulo Mathye- SALGA
Political/Oversight
11:30 – 13:30 Reimagining MFMA Implementation for Improved Municipal Performance
Concurrent session
Staff Support:
Amanda Magadze
Board Member:
Mihloti Shirinda
Facilitator:
Morakane Mototo
Main Presenter:
Kulani Mkhonto- Munsoft
Panel Members:
  • Justice Maceke- Munsoft
  • Mamikie Bogatsu- Frances Baard Municipality
  • Dr Amos Zungu-DUT
MFMA
11:30 – 13:30 Modernising Financial Management for Greater Public Value
Concurrent session
Staff Support:
Thulani Oliphant
Board Member:
James Motaung
Facilitator:
Semanga Ruiters
Main Presenter:
Tholakele Ndlazulwana -AGSA
Panel Members:
  • Nonhlanhla Thanjekwayo-KZN Tourism and Film Authority
  • Phando Legoale-Northwest COGTA
  • Matsobane Aphane- KZN COGTA
PFMA
11:30 – 13:30 Moving from Assurance to Organisational Value
Concurrent session
Staff Support:
Esther Gumata
Board Member:
Mirriam Sunda
Facilitator:
Sanele Ngema
Main Presenter:
Ntombizamatolo Lugongolo- uMngeni uThukela Water
Panel Members:
  • Prof. Cameron Modisane – UNISA
  • Jay Ramharak-Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA)
  • Alistair Chibi- SALGA
Audit, Risk & Performance
13:30 – 14:30 LUNCH A N D VIEWING OF EXHIBITION STANDS
14:30 – 16:30 Leading the Digital Future of Public Financial Management
Concurrent session
Staff Support:
Nontobeko Ntini
Board Member:
Maphefo Mgadi
Facilitator:
Asma Sheik
Main Presenter:
Jonathan Kleinhans- Hessequa Municipality
Panel Members:
  • Robinson Shai- Mantkitsolution
  • Anir Bidesi- KZN Tourism and Film Authority
  • Kholofelo Halefose- Eskom
ICT
14:30 – 16:30 Financial Resilience in Local Government: Navigating Today's Challenges
Concurrent session
Staff Support:
Amanda Magadze
Board Member:
Sanele Ngema
Facilitator:
Claire van der Poll
Main Presenter:
Loyiso Masuku- City of Johannesburg
Panel Members:
  • Prof. Nirmala Dorasamy – DUT
  • Musa Mbhele –eThekwini Municipality
  • Lerato Phasha- SALGA
  • Sadesh Ramjathan- National Treasury
MFMA
14:30 – 16:30 Financing Infrastructure for Long-Term Public Value
Concurrent session
Staff Support:
Thulani Oliphant
Board Member:
Nakisani Mathobo
Facilitator:
Sbu Zakwe
Main Presenter:
Dr Joey Krishnan- KZN COGTA
Panel Members:
  • James Matsie- SALGA
  • Skhumbuzo Mgobhozi- KZN COGTA
  • Dr Nomonde Khiva- SALGA
UIFW
14:30 – 16:30 Strengthening Transparency Through Quality Financial Reporting
Concurrent session
Staff Support:
Esther Gumata
Board Member:
Lindi Nolte
Facilitator:
Maria Makhongela
Main Presenter:
Siyasanga Nondlazi- Accounting Standards Board
Panel Members:
  • Dr Mariska McKenzie – University of Johannesburg
  • Nelsiwe Ncama-KZN Provincial Treasury
  • Manenzhe Manenzhe
GRAP
S MbangaDaluhlanga
Session timeProgramme / SessionPresenters / Session Team
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: TUMELO MOTHOTOANE
08:00 – 08:30 FINAL INTERACTIONS WITH EXHIBITORS AND REFRESHMENTS
09:00 – 09:15 Recap of the previous day and set the tone for the day
09:15 – 09:45 The Power of Collaboration: Building Networks that Drive Public Value
  • Sithole Mbanga
  • SALGA
Presenter:
Sithole Mbanga SALGA
09:45 – 10:15 Ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
  • Bontle Lerumo
  • PSETA
  • Nakisani Mathobo
  • CIGFARO
Presenter:
Bontle Lerumo PSETA Nakisani Mathobo CIGFARO
10:15 – 10:45 Leading with Purpose: The Human Side of Public Finance Leadership
  • Daluhlanga Majeke
  • Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury
Presenter:
Daluhlanga Majeke Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury
10:45 – 11:30 From Vision to Action: Shaping the Future of Public Finance Leadership in South Africa
  • Dr Namane Dickson Masemola
  • Deputy Minister of COGTA
Presenter:
Dr Namane Dickson Masemola Deputy Minister of COGTA
11:30 – 12:15 CLOSING OF THE CONFERENCE
  • Louise Muller
  • CIGFARO President
Presenter:
Louise Muller CIGFARO President
12:15 – 13:00 Motivational Speaker
  • Londy Ngcobo
  • Blaqmermaid
Presenter:
Londy Ngcobo Blaqmermaid
LUNCH PACKS AFTER MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
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