During the course of 2021 before the Local Government Elections, the MEC for Finance in the Province advised the Beaufort West Municipality of the decision of the Western Cape Cabinet to intervene in the Beaufort West Municipality in terms of Section 139(5)(c) of the Constitution.  The Beaufort West Council without any hesitant took a decision to welcome the intervention and committed to full cooperation with the intervention.

The intervention translated into a draft Mandatory Financial Recovery Plan that was widely consulted with all the relevant stakeholders.

On the 22nd of February 2022 the Minister of Finance submitted the MFRS to the MEC in terms of Section 143 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA)

Provincial Treasury subsequently performed a detailed analysis to verify that the process set out in Section 141 of the MFMA was followed and that the criteria contained in Section 142 of the MFMA are met in respect of the FRP.

On 23 March 2022 the FRP was tabled before Council and Council unanimously resolved to approve and adopt the FRP, this means that –

1. the Municipality must implement the Financial Recovery Plan
2. all revenue, expenditure and budget decisions must be taken within the framework of, and subject to the limitation of the FRP and, 
3. the Municipality must report monthly to the MEC: Finance on the Implementation of the Financial Recovery Plan in such a manner as the FRP may determine.

The Beaufort West Council is excited with the latest development as the FRP will be used as an instrument to guide the Municipality in addressing the financial crisis and ensure that service delivery is drastically improved.

The Beaufort West Council therefore appeals to all stakeholders to give full support and cooperation to this intervention as it is for the benefit of the entire communities of Beaufort West, Murraysburg, Nelspoort and Merweville.  A financial healthy and sustainable institution will ensure that needed investment reaches the town of Beaufort West and its surroundings.

In conclusion the Beaufort West Council wish to thank the National Treasury, Provincial Treasury, Local Government, SALGA, Labour, Councillors, workers, the community at large for all your their inputs in ensuring that the Financial Recovery Plan is finalized.  Your support in the implementation will be appreciated. 

ISSUED BY:  BEAUFORT WEST MUNICPALITY

Speaker                  Executive Mayor       Acting Municipal Manager 

N Constable           G Pietersen                  AC Makendlana