IDP Message from the Municipal Manager
Hessequa has the history of a municipality that aims to be an excellent local government. As communities suffer the negative effects of very real economic strain, the municipality finds itself in a place where the sustainability of our budgets is becoming a very real challenge. Within this context, the 4th Generation Integrated Development Plan played an immensely important role to keep decision making objective.
The IDP facilitated the development of a set of strategic objectives and a roadmap at the hand of pre-determined objectives to ensure that focused impacts can be made in the coming 5 years. At the hand of area based planning methodologies the IDP has restructured planning in such a way that the reader will be able to see exactly what will be happening in his/her community within the coming years. This was strengthened by the commitment of council to approve a three year budget. This allows for the improvement of all processes that influence service delivery to the public and can the way forward be communicated better to all communities.
The newly elected ward committee structure ensures the relationship with all communities, as we are committed to the inclusion of residents in municipal processes. Several representative platforms are also included in the ward committee structures.
However, it is important to note that Hessequa is experiencing serious pressure on its sources of income together with rising cost factors. Objective planning needs to be continued throughout the cycle of the 4th Generation IDP, together with proper monitoring of progress on goals as provided in the National Development Plan and the Hessequa Long Term Financial Plan. The management of organisational performance in delivery on the goals set out in the IDP is of utmost importance to ensure the continued delivery of services to our communities in a manner that enhances their quality of life.
The IDP started to facilitate a renewed process of joint planning with all spheres of government to ensure that people are placed first when it comes to client services. Pro-active action plans are formalised to limit the impact of disasters on our residents and all of these strategic issues find their origin in the IDP.
One fact continues to surface in the content of the IDP and it tells us that our future is in the hands of all. Communities need to pick up their responsibility to join government forces and make the Hessequa dream a reality. The diverse nature of the Hessequa region is an asset and it needs to be considered something to be proud of. As Hessequa Municipality reaches for new heights, we look forward to a strengthened commitment of accountability to communities.
Johan Jacobs
IDP Message from the Mayor
Residents of the Hessequa municipal area, Tourists, Investors and all readers of this document, please allow me to share with you a brief overview of what this 2017 to 2022 document involves.
In my capacity as Executive Mayor, I am assigned the responsibility of managing the preparation of the Integrated Development Plan and can I confirm that we adhere to the process of compiling this document as captured in the municipal system act (Act 32 of 200) section 25. This is thus the principal strategic document of the new council that was elected in August 2016. This municipality will under my leadership strive to give effect to the Integrated Development Plan and conduct its affairs in a manner that is consistent with the plan, which guides and informs all planning, budgeting, management and decision-making in a municipality, as stipulated in section 36 of the Municipal System Act.
In terms of our vision, A Caring, Serving and Growing Hessequa, we added some “colour”, this is to visually emphasise and recognise our people and their Social, Economic and Environmental well-being within the vision.
Infrastructure development and sustainability of municipal services is a critical factor in the development of this Integrated Development Plan. The review of our Spatial Development Framework allows for better managing of the spatial environment and enhance social partnerships and bringing private sector closer to the poor. Support from National and Provincial Government is critical to improve the safety and well-being of our communities and will we make use of each and every platform to present the needs of the Hessequa people to the different role-players at all levels.
Human Settlements and Disaster Management needs better public partnerships and community involvement. A new approach is needed to improve the access to adequate housing and disasters like fires in our area. Landfill sites and water storage is also a major challenge for us, but will we manage the situation with special projects and strategies. Backyard dwellers are a priority and better understanding and research is needed to determine what support could be provided to families living in these conditions as they wait to be benefit from housing subsidies. The list goes on and on but with proper consultation, support from all stakeholders and a positive approach Hessequa can continue to improve and live up to our vision.
The document also reflects the diverse nature of all our towns, their access to services and their development priorities. The vast geographical layout of our municipal region adds a unique challenge to improve all our service standards. Public participation and improved communication need to break the barrier informing all residents, including rural areas, of short and long term projects. We will strive to bring services closer to all residents as we do care, serve and actively grow our beautiful Hessequa region.
Grant Riddles
Executive Mayor, Clr. G Riddles
Pre-determined Objectives
| # | Department | Directorate | PDO List | 5 Year Achievements |
| 1 | Housing | Director: Community Services | Addressing Housing need of more Beneficiary Categories | Back-yard Dwellers, GAP Planning, Emergency Housing |
| 2 | Community Safety | Community Safety Services Development | Fire Safety Service, Law Enforcement Expansion | |
| 3 | Social Development | Social Development Strategy Development and Implementation | Expanded funding, Coordination of Integrated Initiatives, Drug Related Action Plans, ART Action Plans, Support to ECD Facilities | |
| 4 | Human Resource | Director: Corporate Services | Personnel Development and Improved Management | Planned Skills Development Interventions, Organisation Review |
| 5 | Property Administration | Effective Utilisation of Municipal Properties | Investment and development, Access to Facilities, Development of Municipal Facilities | |
| 6 | ICT | Systems and Governance Improvement (ICT) | Enhanced Systems for e-Government services | |
| 7 | Libraries | Continued Delivery of Public Library Service | Expanding e-Services and information access | |
| 8 | Town Planning | Director: Development Planning | Secure and Improved Spatial Planning Service | E-Systems, Security of Information, Review of Service Standards, Capital |
| 9 | Building Control | Responsive Development Planning | E-Systems and Revised Service Standards | |
| 10 | Environmental Management | Environmental Planning and Management | Equipment and Personnel, Alien Vegetation Eradication, Waste Management, Water Source Management | |
| 11 | LED | Implementation of Economic Development Strategy | PPPFA, Opportunities to develop economy, Incentive Policy / Framework | |
| 12 | Income | Director: Finance | Revenue Enhancement and Management of Properties | Policy Review in terms of Sale of Investment Properties / Land |
| 13 | Income | Affordability Review of Tariffs and Poor Household Support | Review of Tariff and Cost of Maintenance, Review of Indigent Policy | |
| 14 | Supply Chain Management | Efficient Procurement Processes | PPPFA Implementation | |
| 15 | CFO | Sustainable Financial Management | Income Generating Investment Principle, Review of Financial Plan | |
| 16 | Repairs & Maintenance | Director: Technical Services | Efficient Service Delivery within Service Standards | Review of Service Delivery Standards vs Cost of Service Delivery |
| 17 | Project Planning & Management | Expansion of Externally Funded Programmes | EPWP, MIG Infrastructure, MIG Sport Projects / | |
| 18 | Project Planning & Management | Development and Improvement of Project Planning and Management | Project Design Timeframes – What can be done? | |
| 19 | Electro-Mechanical Services | Renewable Energy Planning | Design and Development of a Framework for Renewable Energy / All Resources | |
| 20 | Sanitation & Open Space Management | Parks and Open Space Planning and Development | Standard of Open Spaces and Investment Planning, Long Term Waste Management | |
| 21 | Internal Audit | Municipal Manager | Enhanced Assurance | Institutional Assurance Systems Development |
| 22 | Strategic Services | Risk Mitigation Improvement | Institutional Action & Reporting | |
| 23 | Strategic Services | Integrated Planning | Data Integrity and Quality Standards for Information Systems | |
| 24 | Strategic Services | Formalised & Improved Public Participation | What outcomes is required – operational resources – CDW’s / Information Officers | |
| 25 | Strategic Services | Strengthened Oversight | Control Indicators – Compliance, Governance Maturity, Service Delivery | |
| 26 | Strategic Services | Improved Performance | Individual Performance Management |
Local Economic Development
Geography, History & Economy
Hessequa Local Municipality is part of Garden Route District Municipality.
MDB code: WC042
Description: The Hessequa Local Municipality is a Category B municipality situated within the Garden Route District in the Western Cape Province. It lies at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, with its boundaries stretching along the southern Cape coast from the Breede River in the west to Gouritsmond in the east. It is the largest of seven municipalities in the district, making up a quarter of its geographical area. The N2 National Road forms the main transportation conduit across the municipality.
Hessequa has a moderate climate. Rainfall occurs predominantly in winter and reaches totals of 300mm inland to 1 000mm on the coast. The Little Karoo in the rain shadow of the Langeberg is the driest region. Agricultural activities are largely determined by the local rainfall pattern. Most of the basal geology in Hessequa has been influenced by the Cape Fold Belt, which has caused the east-west heading mountains generally comprising hard quartzite sandstone and thin shale bands of the Table Mountain Group.
Hessequa’s vegetation falls within the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is characterised by its exceptional richness in plant species. More than 8 700 species are known to occur, of which two thirds are endemic. About 75% of all plants in the South African Red Data Book are found in the Cape Floral Kingdom. Of these species, about 1 700 are threatened with extinction. The major biomes occurring within Hessequa may be divided into nine major vegetation groups.
Area: 5 733km²
Cities/Towns: Albertinia, Gouritz, Heidelberg, Jongensfontein, Riversdale, Slangrivier, Still Bay, Witsand and smaller settlements i.e. Melkhoutfontein, Vermaaklikheid and Garcia
Main Economic Sectors: Trade (20.3%), community services (18.5%), construction (15.6%), finance (15%), agriculture (14.3%), transport (12.2%), manufacturing (3%)
INVESTOR relations
Top reasons for investing in Hessequa
Our economy is built on agriculture (wheat, barley, canola, sheep & wool, berries and cheese).
Excellent opportunities exist for light industry, manufacturing, agri-processing and tourism – especially in the hotel and sports/leisure activity sector.
We have a mild Mediterranean climate.
We offer a safe and secure lifestyle with good schools and municipal services and infrastructure.
Good infrastructure and basic services
Foreign investment opportunities
Sufficient housing opportunities
Low crime rates
Excellent business support services
Excellent educational facilities
Labour opportunities
Sound regulatory environment
Standard Operating Manual to fast track investment opportunities
Commercial property
There are various excellent estate agents and business brokers active in Hessequa. Follow these links for information on commercial property available in the area:
marios@intellect.co.za;
era.co.za;
kvrveilings.co.za;
johan@aidariversdal.co.za
amana.co.za
harcourts.co.za
www@seeff.com
realty1stilbaai.co.za
Business support
Finance
Hessequa has four (4) major banks, West FNB, ABSA, STANDARD BANK and NEDBANK. Our two smaller banks include CAPITEC and AFRICAN BANK.
Business registrations
For information on business registrations and protecting your intellectual property visit the Companies and Intellectual Property commission website on http://www.cipc.co.za/
Incentives
Visit the Government Portal for information on business incentives on http://www.investmentincentives.co.za/
Transport links
Hessequa is serviced by the N2 National Road, linking to Cape Town in the west and George to the east.
Hessequa is served by a main freight rail line, but no passenger rail services currently operate.
Hessequa benefits from two listed airfields with significant development potential, i.e. In Riversdale, adjacent to the N2 and just 3km from the town. The second airfield is in Still Bay.
Lifestyle
Hessequa has a thriving cultural lifestyle. Visit our Community Services [hyperlink] section for information on schools, museums, sporting facilities and more. You can also visit our partner’s websites listed below.
www.explorersgardenroute.co.za
www.capenature.co.za
www.gouritz.com