Statement: Status update on Western Cape Municipalities | Western Cape Government

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Statement: Status update on Western Cape Municipalities

20 March 2018
20 March 2018 Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell Status of Western Cape Municipalities The Minister of Local Government in the Western Cape has noted the statement released by the National Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs relating to municipalities in distress. Dr. Zweli Mkhize states that based on the National Department’s assessments the performance of the majority of the municipalities in South Africa is below expectations. Dr.Mkhize notes further that: • 7% of the country’s municipalities are classified as well-functioning • About 31% of the municipalities are reasonably functional • 31% are almost dysfunctional • The remaining 31% is dysfunctional. The statement can be found here: http://www.cogta.gov.za/?p=3447 Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape wants to reassure the public that none of the thirty municipalities in the Western Cape are dysfunctional. “In fact, the latest audit outcomes from the Auditor General awarded 80% of our Western Cape Municipalities with clean audits in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). This remains a remarkable story given the fact that in 2009 there were no clean audits in the province. The Western Cape is also one of the only provinces where no municipality has an overdue account with Eskom.” Bredell says there are currently no provincial interventions in any Western Cape Municipalities following two successful interventions in Oudtshoorn and Kannaland. “In addition we had ten municipalities on the Back to Basics program. One – Cape Agulhas – has already met all its targets and has been taken off the program and another – Swellendam – is about to be taken off the program too.” Bredell says efficiently run municipalities include maintaining good financial governance and remains key to delivering the services needed to make the province a better place for all who live in it. “Given the legacies we inherited, there are always areas where improvements are needed, but we believe our municipalities provide their communities with the best services possible within the budgets they receive. It’s a case of getting bang for your buck.” Bredell says the department continues to work hard at strengthening the municipalities in terms of governance and oversight. “We are also working hard to help our communities severely affected by the ongoing drought.” Bredell says he looks forward to working closely together with his national counterpart. “The Western Cape Government is always willing to assist sister provinces with their challenges when and where called upon. We are all only better together.” ENDS.
Media Enquiries: 
James-Brent Styan Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell Mobile:084 583 1670 Telephone: 021 483 2820 Email: James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za