“My vision is to build on the already high standards of financial management and procurement practices of Bergrivier Municipality, and assist in creating an even more prosperous community in which we all want to live, work, learn and play in a dignified manner.”
So said newly appointed Head of Supply Chain Management at Bergrivier Municipality, Shaun Wilschut, who assumed office on 2 January.
Born in Cape Town, the 31-year-old moved to Calvinia in the Northern Cape, where he matriculated from High School Hantam in 2010.
He obtained a number of qualifications, including a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the Western Cape, in 2014, a Certificate in Supply Chain Management through the Municipal Finance Management Programme (MFMP), with the relevant modules.
Wilschut mentioned that the Finance Department within a local government is extremely important, as it sets the tone for service delivery in one’s area.
“Sound financial management is an integral part of building a long-term sustainable municipality,” he pointed out, “with the necessary resources and capabilities to cater for the needs of the communities which fall within its jurisdiction.
“Furthermore it eliminates the risk of fraud and corruption, and misuse of municipal funds within the organisation, to ensure optimal service delivery reaches our communities at large.”
In 2015, at age 22, Wilschut’s career formally began when he assumed office as a finance intern at Hantam Municipality in the Northern Cape.
In total, he has eight years of work experience within local government, five of which were at middle-management level. He has experience in expenditure, asset management and supply chain management.
Wilschut loves spending time with his family and enjoys travelling and exploring new places. He is also a huge soccer and rugby fanatic.
On entering the Bergrivier municipal area Wilschut noticed how neatly kept Piketberg was and was astonished at how friendly the residents of the community were. He felt welcome and at home. Wilschut used to drive past the town and usually just noticed how massive the Piketberg mountain was, but never knew the gems the town held.
“I am truly honoured to be part of Bergrivier Municipality and the broader community. I look forward to contributing towards the vision of the municipality. I will endeavour always to implement Supply Chain Management regulations and any other regulation governing my function to the best of my ability.
“I am planning to take my unit to the next level to secure excellent and timeous service delivery to our communities.”
Bergrivier Municipality wished him well in his new position as Head: Supply Chain Management, that he served all its communities with pride.
