Tebogo Msimanga
Ratings Afrika report rated a number of Western Cape Municipalities as the top performers on its Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI) for the fiscal year ending June 2019.
Municipalities in all South African provinces, except the Western Cape, are in financial shambles
The top three municipalities are all in the Western Cape and include Mossel Bay, Saldanha Bay and Swartland. Over the years, these municipalities have strengthened their financial sustainability in such a way that they can deliver quality services, even in unstable and turbulent times.
Municipalities are scored on their ability to develop and maintain the infrastructure necessary to deliver services without having to make additional increases in rates and tariffs charged or reducing the level of service delivery. They are also rated on their ability to manage financial pressure in times of crises.
Covid-19 and the subsequent national lock-down has taken a heavy toll on the country’s economy and left many people destitute.
