2016 AFS Bergrivier

338 Pages·2016·12.71 MB·English

by  Hendrik Louw

BERGRIVIER MUNICIPALITY
DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT 2015/16

Volume 1

ONS DIEN MET TROTS / WE SERVE WITH PRIDE
SISEBENZA NGOKUZINGCA
DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT 2015/16 VOLUME I

Table of Contents
FOREWORD BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR ........................................................................................................ 6
FOREWORD BY THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER ................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 1: MUNICIPAL OVERVIEW AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................... 11
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO BERGRIVIER MUNICIPALITY ............................................................................. 12
1.2 GEOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 13
1.3 DEMOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................ 17
1.3.1 POPULATION ........................................................................................................................................ 17
1.3.2 HOUSEHOLDS ....................................................................................................................................... 21
1.4 SOCIO ECONOMIC OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................ 21
1.4.1 EDUCATION .......................................................................................................................................... 21
1.4.2 HEALTH CARE ....................................................................................................................................... 25
1.4.3 POVERTY .............................................................................................................................................. 25
1.4.4 THE LOCAL ECONOMY ......................................................................................................................... 27
1.4.5 EMPLOYMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 31
1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................... 33
1.6 GOVERNANCE OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................. 34
1.6.1 POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNANCE ................................................................................ 35
1.6.2 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS ..................................................................................................... 36
1.6.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY .................................................................................. 36
1.6.4 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE................................................................................................................. 37
1.7 SERVICE DELIVERY OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................ 38
1.7.1 WATER ................................................................................................................................................. 39
1.7.2 SANITATION ......................................................................................................................................... 39
1.7.3 ELECTRICITY ......................................................................................................................................... 40
1.7.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................ 40
1.7.5 HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (HOUSING) ..................................................................................................... 40
1.7.6 FREE BASIC SERVICES ........................................................................................................................... 41
1.8 ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW ......................................................................................... 42
1.8.1 THE MUNICIPAL WORKFORCE ............................................................................................................. 42
1.8.2 CAPACITATING THE MUNICIPAL WORKFORCE .................................................................................... 43
1.8.3 MANAGING THE WORKFORCE EXPENDITURE ..................................................................................... 43
1.9 FINANCIAL HEALTH OVERVIEW....................................................................................................... 43
1.9.1 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE .................................................................................................................. 43
1.9.2 SPENDING AGAINST CAPITAL BUDGET ................................................................................................ 45
1.9.3 CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENTS ................................................................................ 45
1.9.4 FINANCIAL STABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.10 AUDITOR GENERAL REPORT ........................................................................................................... 46
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1.11 STATUTORY ANNUAL REPORT PROCESS ......................................................................................... 47
CHAPTER 2: GOVERNANCE .......................................................................................................................... 49
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 50
2.2 POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNANCE ...................................................................................... 51
2.2.1 POLITICAL GOVERNANCE ..................................................................................................................... 51
2.2.2 ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNANCE ......................................................................................................... 67
2.3 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS .......................................................................................................... 71
2.3.1 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS ..................................................................................................... 71
PART B: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS....................................................................................................... 71
2.3.1 NATIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUMS ..................................................................................... 73
2.3.2 PROVINCIAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUMS .................................................................................... 73
2.3.3 DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUMS ................................................................. 74
2.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY ........................................................................................ 74
2.4.1PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ............................................................................................................................ 75
2.5 IDP PARTICIPATION AND ALIGNMENT ............................................................................................ 78
2.6 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ............................................................................................................ 78
2.7 AUDIT UNIT .................................................................................................................................... 78
2.8 RISK MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 79
2.9 ANTI-CORRUPTION AND FRAUD ..................................................................................................... 79
2.10 BY-LAWS ......................................................................................................................................... 80
2.11 THE MUNICIPAL WEBSITE ............................................................................................................... 81
2.12 DELEGATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 83
2.13 PUBLIC SATISFACTION ON MUNICIPAL SERVICES ............................................................................ 84
CHAPTER 3 SERVICE DELIVERY PERFORMANCE ............................................................................................ 86
3.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 87
3.2 BASIC SERVICES .............................................................................................................................. 87
3.2.1. WATER ................................................................................................................................................. 88
3.2.2 SANITATION ......................................................................................................................................... 94
3.2.3 ELECTRICITY AND STREET LIGHTING .................................................................................................... 97
3.2.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................................... 100
3.2.5 HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (HOUSING) ................................................................................................... 104
3.2.6 FREE BASIC SERVICES AND INDIGENT SUPPORT.................................................................................... 107
3.3 ROADS AND STORM WATER ......................................................................................................... 108
3.3.1 ROADS ................................................................................................................................................ 108
3.3.2 STORM WATER .................................................................................................................................. 111
3.4 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................... 113
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3.4.1 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (SPATIAL PLANNING) ...................................................................... 113
3.4.2 BUILDING CONTROL ........................................................................................................................... 117
3.4.3 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................... 119
3.4.4 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................................................... 129
3.5 COMMUNITY SERVICES ................................................................................................................ 131
3.5.1 LIBRARY SERVICES .............................................................................................................................. 131
3.5.2 MUSEUMS .......................................................................................................................................... 137
3.5.3 COMMUNITY FACILITIES (MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES) .................................................. 139
3.5.4 CEMETERIES ....................................................................................................................................... 140
3.6 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ................................................................................................... 141
3.6.1 POLLUTION CONTROL ........................................................................................................................ 142
3.6.2 BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ............................................................................................. 142
3.7 SAFETY AND SECURITY ................................................................................................................. 144
3.7.1 TRAFFIC AND LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES .................................................................................... 144
3.7.2 FIRE SERVICES AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT .................................................................................. 148
3.8 COMMUNITY PARKS, SPORT AND RECREATION ........................................................................... 152
3.8.1 PARKS AND OPEN SPACES.................................................................................................................. 152
3.8.2 SPORT FIELDS AND SWIMMING POOLS ............................................................................................. 154
3.8.3 SPORT DEVELOPMENT ....................................................................................................................... 155
3.8.4 RECREATION RESORTS ....................................................................................................................... 157
3.9 CORPORATE AND OTHER SERVICES .............................................................................................. 160
3.9.1 EXECUTIVE AND COUNCIL .................................................................................................................. 161
3.9.2 FINANCIAL SERVICES .......................................................................................................................... 161
3.9.3 HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 162
3.9.4 ADMINISTRATION AND INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SERVICES ...... 163
DETAILED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT ................................................................................................. 168
3.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 168
3.2 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................... 168
3.3 OVERVIEW OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING SYSTEM .................................... 168
3.4 PERFORMANCE AS MEASURED AGAINST THE MUNICIPALITY’S STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES .............. 169
3.4.1 PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................... 169
PERFORMANCE OF EXTERNAL SERVICE PROVIDERS ..................................................................................... 192
CHAPTER 4 ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE ................................................................. 199
4.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE MUNICIPAL WORKFORCE ....................................................................... 200
4.1.1 STAFF ESTABLISHMENT ...................................................................................................................... 200
4.1.2 EMPLOYMENT EQUITY ....................................................................................................................... 204
4.2 MANAGING THE MUNICIPAL WORKFORCE ................................................................................... 208
4.2.1 HUMAN RESOURCE POLICIES AND PLANS ......................................................................................... 208
4.2.2 TERMINATIONS, RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND ABSENTEEISM ..................................................... 208
4.2.3 INJURIES ON DUTY ............................................................................................................................. 213
4.2.4 ABSENTEEISM .................................................................................................................................... 214
4.2.5 PERFORMANCE REWARDS ................................................................................................................. 215
4.2.6 DISCLOSURES OF FINANCIAL INTERESTS ............................................................................................ 215
4.3 CAPACITATING THE MUNICIPAL WORKFORCE .............................................................................. 215
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4.3.1 SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING .............................................................................................. 215
4.4 THE WORKFORCE EXPENDITURE ................................................................................................... 218
4.5 EMPLOYEE EXPENDITURE ............................................................................................................. 218
CHAPTER 5 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...................................................................................................... 220
5.1 STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND POSITION........................................................ 221
5.1.1 STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE .................................................................................... 221
5.1.2 FINANCIAL GRANTS ............................................................................................................................ 223
5.1.2 FINANCIAL GRANTS ........................................................................................................................... 224
ASSET MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 225
5.2 FINANCIAL RATIOS AND INDICATORS ........................................................................................... 226
5.2.1 CURRENT RATIO ................................................................................................................................. 226
5.2.2 COST COVERAGE ................................................................................................................................ 227
5.2.3 SERVICE DEBTORS TO REVENUE ........................................................................................................ 227
5.2.4 DEBT COVERAGE ................................................................................................................................ 228
5.2.5 CREDITOR SYSTEM EFFICIENCY .......................................................................................................... 228
5.2.6 CAPITAL CHARGES TO OPERATING EXPENDITURE ............................................................................. 228
5.2.7 EMPLOYEE COSTS .............................................................................................................................. 229
5.2.8 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................ 229
5.2.9 DEBT RECOVERY RATE ....................................................................................................................... 229
5.3 SPENDING AGAINST CAPITAL BUDGET ......................................................................................... 230
5.3.1 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ...................................................................................................................... 230
5.3.2 SOURCES OF FINANCE ........................................................................................................................ 230
5.4 CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENTS .......................................................................... 231
5.4.1 CASH FLOW ........................................................................................................................................ 231
5.4.2 BORROWING AND INVESTMENTS ...................................................................................................... 232
5.4.3 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................... 235
5.4.4 GRAP COMPLIANCE ........................................................................................................................... 235
5.5 2015/16 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ............................................................................................ 236
TABLES Error! Bookmark not defined.
FIGURES Error! Bookmark not defined.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX A: COUNCILLORS: COMMITTEE ALLOCATION AND COUNCIL ATTENDANCEERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.
APPENDIX B: COMMITTEE AND COMMITTEE PURPOSES ........................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX C: THIRD TIER ADMINSTRATIVE STRUCTURE ............................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX D: FUNCTIONS OF MUNICIPALITY/ENTITY................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX E: WARD REPORTING ................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX F: WARD INFORMATION ........................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX G: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MUNICIPAL AUDIT COMMITTEEERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX H: LONG TERM CONTRACTRS AND PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS ....... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX I: MUNICIPAL ENTITY/SERVICE PROVIDER PERFORMANCE ....... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX J: DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL INTEREST .................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX K: REVENUE COLLECTION PERFORMANCE................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
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APPENDIX L: CONDITIONAL GRANTS RECEIVED: EXCLUDING MIG ............. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX M: CAPITAL EXPENDITURE – NEW & UPGRADE/RENEWEL PROGRAMMES: INCLUDING MIGERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX N: CAPITAL PROGRAMME BY PROJECT CURRENT YEAR ............ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX O: CAPITAL PROGRAMME BY PROJECT BY WARD CURRENT YEARERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX P: SERVICE CONNECTION BACKLOGS AT SCHOOLS AND CLINICSERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX Q: SERVICE BACKLOGS EXPERIENCED BY THE COMMUNITY WHERE ANOTHER SPHERE OF GOVERNMENT
IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SERVICE PROVISION ................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX R: DECLARATION OF LOANS AND GRANTS MADE BY THE MUNICIPALITY ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.
APPENDIX S: DECLARATION OF RETURNS NOT MADE IN DUE TIMES UNDER MFMA S 71ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.
APPENDIX T: NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL OUTCOME FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX U: CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COUNCILLORS ................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX V: REPORT FROM THE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ....................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX W : CLIENT SERVICES SURVEY ................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
BEHUISINGSAANSOEKE ....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
BOUPLANNE ........................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Omvang: Die diens behels die toepassing van verkeerswetgewing, asook munisipale verordeninge.Error! Bookmark
not defined.
Omvang: die onderhoud en diens by die 2 Munisipale strandoorde (Stywelyne, Pelikaan).Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Omvang: Die diens (inhoud, personeel, fasilliteite) wat die inwoners by al die biblioteke ontvang.Error! Bookmark
not defined.
GRONDGEBRUIK .................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
STADSBEPLANNING ............................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2.10 GRONDVERKOPE EN VERHURING ........................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2.11 HANTERING VAN MOTORREGISTRASIES- EN LISENSIES .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX X : REPORT FROM THE BERGRIVIER TOURISM ORGANISATION 1 JULY 2014- 30 JUNE 2015 ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX Y : REPORTS FROM THE MUSEUM COMMITTEES: 1 JULY 2014 – 30 JUNE 2015ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.

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DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT 2015/16 VOLUME I
FOREWORD BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR
It is with great appreciation and pleasure that I submit this Annual Report for the
2015/16 financial year. This is the fifth Annual Report of our Council’s term of office
and it marks an appropriate time to reflect on what we have achieved in terms of
our Integrated Development Plan.
Our vision is to “Strive towards a satisfied community through sustainable service
delivery”. Our mission is “To create an effectively governed administration that is
committed to sustainable development of the municipal area and the delivery of
services that are responsive to the unique needs of the Bergrivier community”.
The strategic objectives of our municipality are set out in our Integrated
Development Plan (IDP) and a great deal of effort has been taken to ensure that we
as a municipality are part of an integrated planning approach whereby our IDP, budget and performance
management system align with one another while simultaneously aligning to National and Provincial plans
and frameworks, specifically the National Development Plan 2030. Furthermore, we strive to achieve the
strategic goals as stipulated in our IDP and that corrective measures are implemented where necessary. The
focal point is excellence in service delivery, while concurrently complying with all legislative requirements
and governance challenges.
Our key focus is on service delivery and we continuously strive to improve on both the quality and standard
of services that we provide to our community. We are unapologetically pro-poor and will continue to
upgrade our poorest communities namely Eendekuil, Redelinghuys, Aurora & Noordhoek- and integrate all
communities in Bergrivier through social cohesion and integrated planning and development.
We are particularly proud of our achievements for this financial year, some of which include:
 During March 2016 Bergrivier Municipality was nominated as the 3rd best municipality in South
Africa. This evaluation was co-ordinated by Good Governance Africa with the sole objective of
providing honest, fact-based information pertaining to Local Government in Africa.
 Bergrivier Municipality won the national Eco-Logic award during April 2016 for the very successful
Fostering Local Well-Being (FLOW) programme done in partnership with Meshfield, UCT, ACDI, the
Flemish Government and with the 10 local FLOW Ambassadors.
 The achievement of an unqualified audit for the 2014/15 financial year was acknowledged by the
Auditor General with only minor non-financial matters requiring further attention. The municipality
made a concerted effort to improve on all these identified aspects during this financial yearAn
unqualified Audit Report with no matters was achieved during the 2015/16 financial year.
 The improvement of the municipality’s financial position and cash flow.
 The municipality was able to further roll-out the implementation of its Housing Pipeline that was
approved in the 2012/13 financial year and implemented during the following financial years. One
hundred and sixteen (116) beautiful affordable houses were awarded to new owners in Porterville,
the upgrade of 34 hostels in Velddrif, the construction of 89 affordable houses on Erf 3046 Velddrif
and 18 affordable houses in Albatros Street, Velddrif.
 The municipality managed to keep water– and electricity losses at 10,53% and 10,13% respectively.
This is much lower than the industry norm and a money saver for our customers.
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 The municipality facilitated funds from Provincial Government to assist with service delivery
challenges in the Moravian Town of Wittewater. The upgrading of their water network and water
source was completed by September 2015 to the value of R 1 145 000.
 The municipality acknowledges the need for sustainable development and made a special effort to
upgrade and maintain infrastructure for basic services. Specific attention was given to:
 The storage capacity for water in Velddrif with the construction of the first phase of a 5 mega
litre reservoir;
 The water pipeline and division chamber in Porterville were upgraded to improve the
sustainability of the water resources;
 In Eendekuil the municipality facilitated a job creation initiative by paving the bus route with skills
transfer to unemployed inhabitants;
 The municipality procured Accelerated Infrastructure Project Funding (ACIP) from the National
Department of Water and Sanitation for the water demand and conservation management in
Porterville (R 1,64 million) as well as the upgrading of the waste water treatment works in
Porterville (R 2,85 million);
 Due to the effects of Global Warming and Climate Change, the storm water drainage system in
Piketberg proved to be inadequate. The municipality improved several areas to ensure effective
storm water drainage to all communities.
 The municipality managed to improve its water quality in Bergrivier from 95,4% to 96,7%. We
continue to deliver excellent drinking water of a high standard and quality in line with SANS 241.
 The municipality created 660 work opportunities (full time equivalent of 110) through the
Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) in inter alia the cleaning and beautification of our
towns. Through this programme we managed to keep all our towns clean and healthy.
 The implementation of performance management and the cascading of the performance evaluation
to lower levels to improve accountability and service excellence.
 The improvement of the Piketberg cricket field to the value of R 1,75 million to enhance sport
development as part of phase 1 of the project. Phase 2 will be implemented during the 2016/17
financial year.
 The establishment of a new library at the Dwarskersbos Holiday Resort to the value of R 605 000 to
improve accessibility for all communities.
 The municipality facilitated an oral history project launched by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Sport
to honour our heritage through story telling.
 Bergrivier Municipality values their staff and knows the value of skills development. During this
financial year 254 employees of Bergrivier Municipality (60%) received training to the amount of R
1,2 million. This assists to improve service delivery through knowledge enhancement.
 During the year we had the privilege of working together in a number of sustainable partnerships
with government and non-government organisations. The output of these partnerships were further
enriched by the participation of the community.
 The municipality launched an Economic Development Forum during November 2015 consisting of
four working groups to implement the approved Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy and
thereby improve economic development in our area.
 The municipality successfully implemented the new Spatial Planning Land Use Management Act
(SPLUMA) and established a Municipal Planning Tribunal to consider Land Use Planning Applications.
An integrated Zoning Scheme By-Law was drafted, workshopped and approved during this financial
year.
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DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT 2015/16 VOLUME I
Although we are immensely proud of our achievements, we still face numerous challenges which we are
addressing on an on-going basis. Some of these challenges include:
 The achievement of a “Clean Audit’ with no matters.
 The high cost of compliance to current and proposed legislation. Compliance requirements are the
same for all municipalities, irrespective of their size, and smaller municipalities such as Bergrivier
have limited human and financial resources to allocate to compliance.
 The on-going implementation of the housing pipeline, especially the funding of the infrastructure
required to provide houses and make serviceable land available.
 A sustainable service delivery solution for the burgeoning settlements that are owned by the
Moravian Church of South Africa.
 The rehabilitation of the licenced waste sites and the improvement of recycling in all communities.
For all these challenges, the necessary implementation plans and corrective measures were developed and
collectively Council and the administrative staff, ensured through our oversight responsibilities, that our
plans were implemented effectively and carried out efficiently.
In conclusion, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to my fellow Councillors, senior
management team and all officials of Bergrivier Municipality for their hard work. On behalf of the Bergrivier
Council I would also like to thank members of our ward committees and all members of the community for
their support and participation in the affairs of our municipality during the year. We will continue to provide
you with the best possible services.

ALDERMAN EB MANUEL
EXECUTIVE MAYOR

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DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT 2015/16 VOLUME I
FOREWORD BY THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER
I am proud to be associated with Bergrivier Municipality. It is an institution
where we truly strive to satisfy our community by delivering excellent
services, which we do sustainably. The appreciation and thankfulness that
we receive from our communities are evidence of this.
Bergrivier Municipality is a Category B Municipality in terms of Section 155 of
the Constitution of South Africa (1996) and performs all the executive,
legislative and administrative powers and functions assigned to it in terms of
Section 156 of the Constitution read with Chapter 3 of the Local Government:
Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) (Systems Act).
At Bergrivier Municipality we strongly uphold the definition of a Municipality
as contained in the Systems Act, which states that a municipality consists of
three equal partners namely the Council, the Administration and the Public. It is where these three partners
work seamlessly together, that we see the magic happen!

Magic!
COUNCIL
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Obviously we are not perfect and there is still much that we can and must do, but we are satisfied that we
truly function as three circles working together in close partnership to benefit all the people living and
working within our Municipal area. For these reasons we take great care and effort to work well with sector
departments in our area to obtain maximum successes. Please refer to the list of successes listed by the
Executive Mayor in his foreword.
Our international relations with Belgium Federal Government and Heist-op-den-Berg Municipality in
particular assisted Bergrivier in knowledge sharing, skills transfers and the procurement of much needed
funding. Bergrivier Municipality is privileged to be selected as one of only three Municipalities in South Africa
to apply for funding from the Belgium Federal Government. We have submitted our business plan during
May 2016 on the improvement of waste management with the theme: Turning waste into prosperity.
While attending to our own areas of service delivery within Bergrivier Municipal area, we are also in
conversation with the Moravian Church of South Africa about sustainable service delivery models. At the
moment the Church is still acting as “Municipality” in both Goedverwacht and Wittewater (two Moravian
Towns within our area) with poor levels of success. The Municipality and the District Municipality are
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