Western Cape to Assist Beaufort West Municipality

Western Cape Minister of Finance Ivan Meyer, has given an undertaking to the Executive Mayor of Beaufort West, Djorge Malooi that the Western Cape will give its full support to initiatives  to turn around the financial woes of the embattled  Municipality.

This undertaking follows a high level meeting between MEC Meyer, Mayor Malooi and his deputy, Anna Slabbert.

Following a request from the Mayor, the meeting focussed on some of the challenges faced by the newly elected Council. Malooi said: “The new Council is facing an uphill battle as it unravels the financial mess left behind by the previous administration. We do believe however, that with the necessary support from the Western Cape Government, we will be able to address these challenges.”

Minister Meyer expressed his view that it was important that Beaufort West Municipality be placed firmly back on the path of financial sustainability, good financial governance and ultimately quality service delivery to the people of Beaufort West. Minister Meyer said: “I met with Mayor Malooi and his deputy to listen to them and assure them that the Western Cape Government is fully committed to assisting them in addressing the financial and service delivery risks the Municipally currently faces.”

The Western Cape’s support is in line with the provisions of Section 34 of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.

Minister Meyer said: “I believe that we cannot sit back and watch the people of Beaufort West continue to bear the brunt of the poor financial governance of past administrations. The Mayor’s request to meet with me provides the ideal opportunity to begin the process of turning the financial and service delivery woes of Beaufort West around.”

Minister Meyer further called on the Council of Beaufort West to support the Executive Mayor and Deputy Executive Mayor in the process of improving the lives of the people of Beaufort West and protect the integrity of National Treasury during this time of crisis.

“Municipal budgets are being squeezed by austerity brought on by financial mismanagement. The impact on frontline service delivery will be hard to avoid. We therefore need to do the responsible thing and show a united front against the undermining of good financial governance and effective service delivery.”

Malooi expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting which resolved that the Western Cape Government assist the municipality by:

•  providing guidance in respect of legislative compliance,
• the development of a business plan to qualify for a financial management support grant,
• assistance to strengthen governance structures and accredited training and interactive workshops for senior managers.

Malooi said:  “I am confident that with the promised support from the Western Cape Government and the newly elected Beaufort West Council will strengthen our partnership and resolve to address the challenges facing the municipality.”

Ends