Bergrivier Municipality has been rated the second-best small-town municipality in South Africa in 2024 by Good Governance Africa (GGA).
According to a statement by the municipality, this marks a significant milestone on its journey to sustainable development and accountable governance.
In the detailed report issued by GGA, it mentions Bergrivier Municipality ranked second out of 99 municipalities, listed in the “Small Towns Local Municipalities” category, while also listed the sixth-best municipality overall in South Africa.
“We are proud and humbled by this prestigious achievement,” said Alderman Ray van Rooy, Executive Mayor of Bergrivier. “We are in the top 10 in two major categories. This couldn’t have been possible without the incredible effort of our three equal partners – administration, council and public – who all play a significant role in ensuring good governance, performance and top grade service delivery. This accolade is a testimony that we are committed to our vision and will continue to run the Municipality with transparency, accountability and quality services for all.”
GGA is an independent company conducting research on various organisations across the globe through studies, using data collection methods and analytics, and issuing fair and accurate performance ratings. All municipalities forming part of this report were matched against five categories that make up the Governance Performance Index (GPI), namely Administration and Governance; Economic Development, Leadership and Management, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Service Delivery (weighted most).
A total of 257 municipalities formed part of the Good Performance Index (GPI).
“At the heart of Bergrivier Municipality’s success lies a proactive approach to addressing the diverse needs and challenges faced by its residents,” a statement from the municipality reads.
Adv Hanlie Linde, Municipal Manager of Bergrivier Municipality, said this achievement not only reflected the dedication and hard work of the municipal leadership, “but also signifies a triumph of collective effort and community engagement.”
It is undoubtedly clear the Western Cape, including the West Coast, is at the forefront of local government in South Africa, after claiming the top spot in nearly all the categories.
Bergrivier Municipality has featured in the Top 10 Best Municipalities list for the past 11 years. In 2016 it ranked third-best municipality in South Africa.
Van Rooy mentioned ethical and competent leadership, political stability and a well-organised and involved community play a major role in ensuring a local municipality is effective and properly governed.
“Ultimately, local government is the first point of contact between the state and its citizens, and this is where we can make direct, meaningful and positive differences in people’s lives,” concluded Van Rooy.
