JOHN TAOLO GAETSEWE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

PROFILE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 31. INTRODUCTION 41.1 Overview 41.2 Municipalities within the District 51.3 Political and Administrative Leadership and Seat of District 51.4 Political Representation 62. SERVICE DELIVERY 72.1 Household Infrastructure 72.2 Sanitation 72.3 Water 72.4 Electricity 82.5 Refuse Removal 82.6 Service Provider 83. AUDIT OPINIONS 84. STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSESSMENT 94.1 Overview of findings on assessment in the Municipality 94.1.1 Governance 94.1.2 Financial Management and Viability 94.1.3 Service Delivery 95. INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES IN TERMS OF THE MUNICIPAL

TURN-AROUND STRATEGY9

6. MIG PROJECTS 107. VULNERABILITY CLASSIFICATION 11

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The majority of the people in John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality (formerly Kgalagadi) live in rural areas with basic infrastructure backlogs. The economic nodes and employment opportunities are concentrated in towns such as Kuruman and Kathu. The decline of mining employment has had a strong impact on the socio-economic situation of the region, with unemployment rates of more than 50%.

The district has the lowest access to infrastructure in the Northern Cape province. Although access has improved from 45% in 1996 to 68% in 2006, it has started to drop again to lower levels of 64% in 2007 and 2008. Huge gains were made in the provision of electricity, but the access to piped water has come under pressure and showed a small decline between 1996 and 2008.

The audit opinions for the District Municipality and one of the three local municipalities have improved over time with each achieving one unqualified audit with findings and one qualified audit within the past two financial years. Two of the local municipalities have remained however with disclaimer status.

The State of Local Government Assessment identified ageing infrastructure and the poor state of the roads as the main service delivery challenges. In terms of the Municipal Turn-Around Strategy the District identified the lack of bulk and sanitation infrastructure and the need to increase electricity demand capacity.

Although none of the three local municipalities in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District has been classified in the category of most vulnerable by DCoG in terms of functionality, socio-economic profile and backlog status, Joe Morolong falls into the second most vulnerable category.

This profile confirms that infrastructure prioritisation in John Taolo Gaetsewe District should focus on water and sanitation infrastructure, with a special focus on Joe Morolong and addressing the regress in access to water.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview1

Kuruman, known as the ‘Oasis of the Kalahari’, is situated in the Kuruman Valley and is blessed with a fountain called The Eye, which delivers 20 million litres of clear water daily. Kuruman is the main town of the district. It is generally agreed that the name originates from an 18th century San leader, Kudumane, who was killed by the Tlhaping Tswana tribe.

The John Taolo Gaetsewe area is located in the Northern Cape Province and borders on Botswana. Politically it consists of three local municipalities, namely Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana and Joe Morolong (formerly Moshaweng), and one district municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality. The north western part of the area is the District Management Area (DMA) and is managed by John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality.

The main towns and villages within the district are Kuruman, Sishen, Kathu, Deben, Dingleton, Olifansthoek, Van Zylsrus, Bothitong, Churchill, Manyeding, Laxey, Batlharos, Mothibistad, Hotazel and Heuningvlei. The main economic activity is mining, followed by agriculture, tourism and retail.

The region forms the southern rim of the Great Kalahari Desert. In summer, day temperatures can exceed 40ºC and in winter, night temperatures can plummet below zero. The Kalahari has an annual rainfall of 200 – 400 mm, mainly between January and April.

The following important factors should be taken into account:

The only major economic nodes in the area are Kuruman, Van Zylsrus and Kathu.

The majority of people live in rural areas that have backlogs with regard to basic infrastructure.

Employment opportunities are concentrated around Kuruman and the mines situated around Kathu, Hotazel and Black Rock.

The John Taolo Gaetsewe area is characterised by Kalahari bushveld, sandy soils and a lack of water resources. The district relies heavily on the Vaal-Gamagara pipeline, although water extracted from mines is also a resource. The Kalahari was the strongest mining region in the Northern Cape. A decline in mining employment together with the near extinction of asbestos mining in the 1980s has had a strong impact on the socio-economic situation of the region. A significant proportion of the mining labour force is drawn from the North West Province, creating a sizeable ‘migrant’ labour force.

1 Source: Gaffney’s, November 2009: Local Government in South Africa 2009 – 2011, Official Yearbook: p 1063 - 1065.

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In the rural areas the land is used extensively for cattle, sheep and game farming. The area is well known for its commercial hunting in winter. Poverty and deprivation characterise the non-white population. The unemployment rate is more than 50% in most areas and people survive on pension and welfare payments and temporary labour-intensive jobs. Some of the areas lack basic social services such as health care, water and schools.

There are also shortages of transport, housing and electricity, contributing to the lack of economic development. Joe Morolong Local Municipality in particular suffers from a lack of basic infrastructure and has been prioritised as a focus point for development.

1.2 Local Municipalities within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District

The details of the four local municipalities within the District are tabled below:

Table 1: Statistics of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District and Local Municipalities

Municipalities within the District

Area (km2)in 2009

Area (km2) after 2011Local Government

Elections & % change

Population No. ofHouseholds

PovertyRate

John Taolo District Municipality

27,283.13 27,283.13 - 175,986 42,766 55.00%

Gamagara Local Municipality

2,619.42 2,619.42 - 28,463 7,751 31.54%

Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality

4,491.63 4,491.63 - 70,810 17,356 58.95%

Joe Morolong Local Municipality

9,477.46 20,172.07 112.84% 71,036 15,705 73.84%

Kgalagadi District Management Area (KalahariCBDC)

10,694.62 To be incorporated into the local municipalities

5,678 1,954 55.00%

1.3 Political and Administrative Leadership and Seat of District2

Political leadership: Executive Mayor: Ms S MosikatsiAdministrative leadership: Municipal Manager: Mr S V Sebusho

The head office of the District is located in Kuruman.

2 Source: John Taolo DM; August 2011

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1.4 Political representation3

Table 2: Local Government Election 2006 / Provincial & National Elections 2009 comparison:

Leading Parties in the Elections

Local Government Elections 2006 Provincial Elections 2009 National Elections 2009Party Party Votes and % Ward Votes and

%Councillor Seats Party Votes and % Party Votes and %Party Seats %

1st ANC 37,402 78.4% 36,063 77.1% ANC 16 88.9% ANC 53,932 73.0% ANC 55,355 73.1%2nd UCDP 5,456 11.4% 4,659 10.0% UCDP 2 11.1% COPE 7,842 10.6% COPE 7,872 10.4%

3rd DA 2,148 4.5% 2,189 4.7% Other 18 DA 4,856 6.6% DA 5,080 6.7%

4th ID 1,708 3.6% 1,529 3.3% UCDP 4,119 5.6% UCDP 3,918 5.2%

Other 987 2.1% 2,320 5.0% Other 3,160 4.3% Other 3,506 4.6%

Totals 47,701 100% 46,760 100% 73,909 100% 75,731 100%

Figure 1: 2011 Local Government Election results and seat allocation

The ANC is the leading party in terms of proportional DC40 Seats in John Taolo Gaetsewe, with 6 of 8 seats

3 UPDATE Aug’09: DC40 seats - ANC (86%) 6 seats, UCDP (14%) 1 seat, Total 7 DC40 seats

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2. SERVICE DELIVERY4

2.1 John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality Household Infrastructure

19961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720080.000.100.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.90

Household Infrastructure OverviewNC - DC45 John Taolo Gaetsewe

District Municipality

NC - DC45 Kgal...

Inde

x

Source: IHS Global Insight Regional eXplorer version 474

John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality has the lowest access to infrastructure amongst the districts in the province. The graph above shows a constant increase in access to infrastructure from 1996 (45%) to 2006 (68%). However, by 2007 and 2008, the district’s access was dropping down to 64%.

2.2 Sanitation

With regard to access to sanitation, the district municipality’s household access to hygienic toilets has gone up from 27% in 1996 to 55% in 2008. The improvement in access to sanitation in general in the Municipality is mainly due to the increase in the use of pit latrines with ventilation and pit latrines.

2.3 Water

In terms of water infrastructure, there has been a decrease in the number of households having access to piped water above RDP level in the municipality from 68% in 1996 to 65% in 2008. While this is the case, households’ access to water below RDP level increased from less than 5% to more than 20% from 1996 to 2008. Still, there are more than 10% households without piped water in the municipality.

4 Sources: HIS Global Insight Regional eXplorer version 474; GoGTA, 2009: Basic Services Publication, Comparative Information on Basic Services, 2009 and Municipal Demarcation Board, 2008: National Report on Local Government Capacity, District and Local Municipalities, MDB Capacity Assessment, 2007/2008.

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2.4 Electricity

In 1996, household access to electricity connections was at 39%. Since then, access has increased drastically reaching 72% by 2008. The increase in electricity connections is the biggest infrastructure achievement in the municipality.

2.5 Refuse removal

There has been an increase in access to formal refuse removal service from 1996 to 2008 in the Municipality. Access has gone up from 27% in 1996 to 44% in 2008. The increase in access to formal refuse removal service decreased the percentage of households’ personal removal.

2.6 Service provider

John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality does not have authority but performs potable water and sanitation functions. The district has authority and is performing the refuse removal, refuse dumps and solid waste disposal function.

3. AUDIT OPINIONS

Table 3: Audit Opinions of the District and Local Municipalities

Municipality AuditOpinion2005/6

Audit Opinion2006/7

Audit Opinion2007/8

Audit Opinion 2008/9

Audit Opinion 2009/10

John Taolo Gaetsewe DM

Disclaimer Qualified Qualified Financially unqualified with findings

Qualified

Gamagara LM Adverse Disclaimer Qualified Qualified Financially unqualified with findings

Ga-Segonyana LM

Disclaimer Disclaimer Disclaimer Disclaimer Disclaimer

Joe Morolong (previouslyMoshaweng) LM

Disclaimer Disclaimer Disclaimer Disclaimer Audit not finalised at legislated date

Source: Auditor-General 2009 and 2011, see www.agsa.co.za

John Taolo Gaetsewe district municipality as well as Gamagara local municipality respectively obtained financially unqualified audit results in 2008/9 and 2009/10. In Ga-Segonyana and Joe Morolong local municipalities disclaimers were the audit outcomes achieved between 2005/6 and 2009/10.

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4. STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSESSMENT

4.1 Overview of findings on assessment in the municipality

4.1.1 Governance

There is 25% vacancy rate and the retention policy is put in place to address the issue of staff shortages. Employment equity policy is followed to the letter, there are two women occupying Section 57 positions. A performance management system is in place both at senior management level and at junior levels. The district shares the services of Internal Audit, Audit Committee and Risk Committee with the local municipalities. A conflict between traditional leaders and the Council was reported to be dividing communities.

4.1.2 Financial Management and Viability

For the financial year 2008/09 the municipality received a qualified audit report that indicated non registration of assets. Some of the issues raised by the previous audit reports were resolved, for instance during 2006/07 financial year the municipality had unauthorized expenditure that had to be settled with the South African Revenue Services (SARS).

4.1.3 Service Delivery

Most of the roads within the municipality are dusty and not in good shape. A total of 300 kms is gravel and needs to be tarred. Money received from the Province can only cover 6 kms in one financial year. The challenge of bad roads within the municipality affects transportation of pupils to schools and ambulances that often breakdown. Ageing infrastructure is another challenge facing the municipality.

5. INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES OF THE MUNICIPAL TURN-AROUND STRATEGY

The John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality identified a number of priorities for infrastructure delivery in the Johan Taolo Gaetsewe Municipal Turn-Around Strategy.

Access to water

The biggest demand is for bulk infrastructure in areas such as Joe Morolong, Ga-segonyana, Hotazel, which requires MIG funding.

The DM is currently involved in a Gamagara Municipality Water Services Development Strategy.

The DM is supporting the Joe Morolong LM in performing a Water Quality and Water Demand Management system.

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Access to sanitation

No waste water treatment works (WWTW) exits in Joe Morolong Additional funding will be required to address the backlog related to basic

sanitation in Joe Morolong. DM is part of the team involved in alternative sanitation technology evaluation in

Joe Morolong. Regional WWTW planned and identified in Master plan of Ga-segonyana. O&M plan to address rural service delivery is required in Ga-segonyana. Upgrading of WWTW for Kathu, Olifantshoek and Deben are planned. WWTW in Vanzylsrus is not registered and upgrade is required.

Electricity

Notified Maximum Demand has been exceeded in Ga-segonyana, John Taolo Gaetsewe DMA, while extensions are also required in Joe Morolong. Applications must be submitted to Eskom; the DM must assist the LMs.

Refuse removal

Operation and Maintenance of the Wrechville Waste Disposal Site is not being done in terms of the permit conditions. DM Community Services department will monitor the process and ensure compliance.

The DM has drafted an Integrated Waste Management Plan A number of waste disposal sites are not registered, the DM must assist the LMs

with submission of applications for registration.

6. MIG PROJECTS

Table 4: MIG projects

Municipality Project name Registered MIG funds

Total actual expenditure in the 2010/11 financial year

Project status (Registered/design/tender/construction)

Project category (e.g. water, sanitation, PMU)

John Taolo Gaetsewe DM

Kgalagadi Rural Water Supply programme 37,335,873.00 3,191,228.08 Construction WaterVanzylsrus Sewarage treatment works 5,376,230.97 2,774,525.17 Complete SanitationKgalagadi Sanitation Project 102,969,259.00 1,408,310.27 Construction SanitationMothibistad bulk water supply phase 2   2,500,000.00 Comlete WaterKuruman bulk supply 1,823,911.35 113,333.76 Complete/Retention WaterDeben: Upgrading of oxidation ponds   1,000,000.00 Complete Sanitation

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Olifantshoek upgrading of existing oxidation ponds   1,000,000.00 Complete SanitationJoe MorolongLocal & distributor roads 10,731,246.00 2,036,185.64 Complete RoadsProject Management Unit 881,850.00 881,850.00   PMU

Gamagara LM

909: Olifantshoek upgrading of existing oxidation pond 10050430 R 3,173,600.35 Construction Sanitation910: Deben Upgrading of Oxidation Ponds 6556150 R 3,682,103.33 Construction Sanitation

Source: All MIG projects, May 2011

John Taolo Gaetsewe district and Gamagara local municipality did not submit their 2011 June MIG reports. Most MIG projects in the two municipalities are about sanitation. To date, a number of MIG projects in John Taolo Gaetsewe and Gamagara have been completed.

7. VULNERABILITY CLASSIFICATION

The DCoG Municipal Spatial Classification System was designed to develop municipal profiles according to spatial location, based upon results from indicator sets on functionality, socio-economic profile and backlog status. Its purpose is to inform a differentiated approach to municipalities.

The four municipal classifications developed by DCoG are:Class 1: Most vulnerable (57 local municipalities)Class 2: Second most vulnerable (58 local municipalities)Class 3: Second highest performing (58 local municipalities)Class 4: Highest performing (58 local municipalities)

The three local municipalities in the John Taolo Gaetsewe can be classified as follow:

Table 5: Vulnerability Classification

Local Municipality ClassificationGamagara Highest performingGa-Segonyana Second highest

performingJoe Morolong Second most

vulnerable

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From this table it is evident that none of the three local municipalities in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District fall into the most vulnerable category, although Joe Morolong is classified in the second most vulnerable grouping.

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