David Joubert | Municipal Manager | Weskus Distrik | mail me |
The fundamentals of running a municipality focus on good governance, effective financial management, robust institutional capacity and strong community engagement. These elements form the backbone of running a successful municipality in a complex service delivery environment.
Success is measured by the ability to prioritise residents’ needs, deliver high-quality services and foster sustainable local development. Municipalities in the Western Cape serve as a necessary reminder. Not only is running a successful municipality achievable, but it has also been done consistently. However, municipalities face persistent challenges. For this reason, vision and innovation remain essential to running a successful municipality over the long term.
Exemplary track record
We have achieved fifteen consecutive clean audits from the Auditor-General. In addition, Ratings Afrika’s Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI) recognised us as South Africa’s best-run municipality in 2025.
Municipal performance stems from a commitment to sound financial management, transparency and good governance. This performance reflects the dedication of the administration team to uphold the highest standards of accountability. It also ensures that public resources are managed responsibly and in the best interests of communities.
We are structured no differently from other district municipalities. However, the synergy between political vision and administrative will sets it apart. This synergy is built on sound, transparent engagement and advice, and it has set the tone for sequential clean audits.
– Ald RW ‘Boffie’ Strydom, Executive Mayor at Weskus Distrik
Political stability
Political stability is a cornerstone of municipal success. It creates continuity, builds trust and enables the realisation of medium- to long-term vision. Alongside this, administrative consistency plays a critical role. It allows for the fulfilment of political vision through effective execution.
The administration arm enables decisive implementation of commitments outlined in strategic documents. These include the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which guides development priorities and resource allocation.
Restoring trust
Negative perceptions within the public sector also create an opportunity. They allow municipalities to restore trust and rebuild hope among South Africans.
We believe that both the political and administrative arms must work extremely hard to deliver promised services. These efforts serve our community and stakeholders. Our performance, together with that of other performing municipalities, provides hope to South Africans. It also strengthens trust within our communities.
We ensure our story reaches investors and funders. These stakeholders are committed partners in delivering infrastructure, essential services and sustainable solutions.
Vision and innovation
Good governance and financial stability have created a springboard for innovation. As a result, municipalities should not shy away from seeking alternative answers to long-standing challenges. This approach has given Weskus several sector ‘firsts’.
Examples include empowering future generations and developing internal talent. They also include establishing the Business Innovation Hub and implementing a landfill initiative. In addition, we have explored new water purification methods, adopted AI- and IoT-led smart city applications and taken an outbound approach to private sector engagement, among many other initiatives.
Consistent purpose
Whatever municipalities do should be done with purpose. For example, a conference or dialogue is never about leisure. It is about bringing together delegates from the private and public sectors, as well as academia, to share, learn, collaborate and find solutions.
Compliance remains the watchword. However, the objective never changes. The focus remains on delivering planned and promised services, both now and into the future, which lies at the heart of running a successful municipality.
