According to a recent article by News24, the Overberg region in South Africa has once again proven its worth, with its outstanding accomplishments being recognised at the recent Service Excellence Awards (SEA). From top holiday destinations to being crowned the Kwêla town of the year, the Overberg continues to excel in various domains, including municipal governance.
The SEA, an annual event organised by the Western Cape Government (WCG), aims to promote a citizen-centred culture, foster professionalism, and acknowledge and reward excellence. This year's event took place on May 12 at Cape Town's Century City Conference Centre, where the Overstrand Municipality was honoured with the prestigious title of Best Municipality, while the Cape Agulhas Municipality (CAM) claimed a commendable third place.
The SEA includes several categories such as Best Frontline Service Delivery Employee, Best Municipal Project, Best Public Service Leader (Exemplary), Best Public Service Innovator Employee, and the highly coveted Best Municipality category. This particular category acknowledges municipalities that demonstrate a commitment to citizen-centeredness, service-delivery excellence, and good governance principles.
In order to qualify for the Best Municipality Award, a municipality must demonstrate that it has received three consecutive years of favourable audit reports. The Overstrand Municipality exceeded this requirement with an impressive nine consecutive clean-audit reports, reflecting their unwavering dedication to good governance. Moreover, the municipality has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to ensure a high standard of governance.
These outstanding achievements place the Overstrand Municipality in the top 5% of local municipalities in South Africa that have received three or more consecutive clean audits. The municipality's commitment to providing dignified living conditions to all households remains a top priority.
The Overstrand Municipality has made impressive accomplishments, which has put them in the top tier of South African local governments that have had three or more years of successful external audits.
The Overstrand Municipality has achieved a commendable 86% rating for its performance, demonstrating its commitment to providing water, sanitation, and waste services to households in informal areas. Surpassing the national standard of one toilet per five households, the municipality achieved a target of 930 toilet structures, slightly surpassing the actual number with 934.
The Overstrand Municipality also aims to simplify interactions with clients and minimize bureaucratic processes. By reducing red tape, the municipality fosters an environment that promotes investment and development within its jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the Cape Agulhas Municipality has also achieved remarkable success, securing eight consecutive unqualified audit opinions with no matters since the 2013-14 financial year. Although the 2021-22 Audit is still underway, this achievement highlights the municipality's commitment to clean administration and good governance. It reflects their prudent allocation of limited resources in alignment with their legislative mandate.
The recognition received by the Overstrand Municipality and the Cape Agulhas Municipality at the Service Excellence Awards not only celebrates their accomplishments but also emphasizes the high standards and commitment to good governance within the Overberg region. These municipalities serve as shining examples of effective and citizen-centric local governance, making the Overberg an exceptional place to live and visit.
These accolades further highlight the allure of Hermanus, a town within the Overstrand Municipality. With its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant community, and now, an award-winning municipality, Hermanus continues to solidify its position as one of South Africa's most beloved destinations.
If you're considering a move to Hermanus and want to experience the exceptional quality of life offered by the Overstrand Municipality, contacting Seeff Hermanus can be your first step. Their knowledgeable team can assist you in finding the perfect property in this idyllic coastal town. Discover why Hermanus is a place where natural wonders meet outstanding governance, making it an irresistible choice for those seeking a remarkable lifestyle.
Overall, the Overberg region continues to thrive, attracting visitors with its stunning holiday destinations, while the municipalities set benchmarks for service delivery and municipal governance, earning their well-deserved accolades at the Service Excellence Awards. With its accolades and unparalleled charm, Hermanus remains an enticing destination for those looking to embrace a fulfilling and exceptional lifestyle.
Article source: https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/hermanustimes/overstrand-municipality-the-best-20230517