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PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
2
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 3
CONTENT
1. Executive Summary ........................................................................................... 5
2. Introduction: Brief overview .............................................................................. 7 2.1Location ..................................................................................................................................... 7 2.2Historical perspective ................................................................................................................ 8 2.3 Spatial status............................................................................................................................. 9
3. Social Development Profile ............................................................................. 13 3.1 Key social demographics......................................................................................................... 13 3.1.1. Population .......................................................................................................................... 13 3.1.2 Gender, Age and Race ....................................................................................................... 14 3.1.3. Households ....................................................................................................................... 15 3.2 Health profile .......................................................................................................................... 17 3.3 Covid-19 .................................................................................................................................. 17 3.4 Poverty dimensions ................................................................................................................ 19 3.4.1 Distribution ......................................................................................................................... 19 3.4.2 Inequality ........................................................................................................................... 20 3.4.3 Employment/Unemployment ............................................................................................ 22 3.4.4 Crime .................................................................................................................................. 23 3.5 Education and skills profile ..................................................................................................... 24
4. Economic Drivers ............................................................................................. 25 4.1 Structure of the economy ....................................................................................................... 25 4.2 Primary sector......................................................................................................................... 27 4.3 Secondary sector .................................................................................................................... 28 4.4 Tertiary sector......................................................................................................................... 29 4.5 Informal economy .................................................................................................................. 30
5. Service Delivery ............................................................................................... 31 5.1 Water and Sanitation .............................................................................................................. 31 5.2 Human settlements ................................................................................................................ 32 5.3 Waste management ............................................................................................................... 33 5.4 Roads and transport ............................................................................................................... 34 5.5 Electricity ................................................................................................................................ 36
6. Governance and Management ........................................................................ 37 6.1 Municipality performance ...................................................................................................... 37 6.2 Municipality capacity .............................................................................................................. 38
7. Projects to Diversify and Grow the People and the Economy ..................... 38 7.1 Catalytic projects .................................................................................................................... 38 7.2 Environmental management and drought ............................................................................. 39
8. Key Recommendations .................................................................................... 39
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
4
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PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 5
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
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Executive Summary
The CKDM covers a total area of 38 852km², making it the largest
district municipality in the province. It stretches approximately 400km
from its furthest south east point to its furthest north-west point. The
District consists of three local municipalities and they are Laingsburg
Local Municipality, Prince Albert Local Municipality and Beaufort West
Local Municipality. Some of the main towns in the district are Beaufort
West, Klaarstroom, Laingsburg, Leeu Gamka, Matjiesfontein,
Merweville, Murraysburg, Nelspoort, Prince Albert, Welgemoed.
When compared to other regions, the Central Karoo District Municipality accounts for
a total population of 78,632, or 1.2% of the total population in the Western Cape
Province, with the City of Cape Town being the most populous region in the Western
Cape Province for 2019. The ranking in terms of the size of Central Karoo compared
to the other regions remained the same between 2009 and 2019.
With a GDP of R 4.61 billion in 2019 (up from R 2.32 billion in 2009), the Central Karoo
District Municipality contributed 0.67% to the Western Cape Province GDP of
R 688 billion in 2019 increasing in the share from 0.68% in 2009. The Central Karoo
District Municipality contributes 0.09% to the GDP of South Africa which had a total
GDP of R 5.08 trillion in 2019 (as measured in nominal or current prices).It's
contribution to the national economy stayed similar in importance from 2009 when it
contributed 0.09% to South Africa, but it is lower than the peak of 0.09% in 2009.
As of 04 July 2020, Central Karoo District had 43 confirmed cases, with 10 recoveries
as shown in the diagram below. Based on these figures, Central Karoo District
Municipality has the lowest number of cases in the entire province. The District has a
total number of five quarantine sites but none of them have been activated and only
one of the sites has been assessed by the Department of Health.
In 2019, there were 39 000 people living in poverty, using the upper poverty line
definition, across Central Karoo District Municipality. This is 6.50% higher than the
36 600 in 2009. The percentage of people living in poverty has decreased from
53.00% in 2009 to 49.54% in 2019, which indicates a decrease of 3.46 percentage
points. While there is a minor decrease in poverty over the ten year period in the
district, the poverty level remains very high.
Based on the Spatial Development Framework of the District there is one strategic and
catalytic project. This project relates to the shale gas exploration that is currently being
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 7
supported by the provincial government. The District also needs support to establish a
district shared service, which happens to be aligned to the DDM roll out.
Introduction: Brief overview
2.1 Location
The Central Karoo District Municipality1 is a Category C municipality
located in the Western Cape Province. Central Karoo is a land-locked
district and the largest district in the province, making up a third of its
geographical area. Central Karoo District Municipality is surrounded
by Namakwa District Municipality in the Northern Cape, Pixley ka
Seme District Municipality in the Free State, Sarah Baartman District
Municipality in the Eastern Cape, Garden Route and Cape Winelands
District Municipalities in the Western Cape.
The CKDM covers a total area of 38 852km², making it the largest district municipality
in the province. It stretches approximately 400km from its furthest south east point to
its furthest north-west point. The District consists of three local municipalities and they
are Laingsburg Local Municipality, Prince Albert Local Municipality and Beaufort West
Local Municipality. Some of the main towns in the district are Beaufort West,
Klaarstroom, Laingsburg, Leeu Gamka, Matjiesfontein, Merweville, Murraysburg,
Nelspoort, Prince Albert, Welgemoed.
The Map below indicates the location of the Central Karoo District Municipality.
1 The Local Government Handbook South Africa 2017. A complete guide to municipalities in South Africa. Seventh edition. Accessible at: www.municipalities.co.za.
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
8
2.2 Historical perspective
Before the establishment of any form of civil authority those who controlled the sparse
springs and fountains controlled the land and little thought was given to the justness of
usurping control of these water points at the barrel of a gun or by the use of poisoned
arrows. Wild animals and particularly predators, the San or Bushmen, runaway slaves
from the Cape and a rich cocktail of vagabonds and law breakers regularly plundered
the stock farms established by the Trek Boers or migrating farmers moving away from
the restrictive laws of the Dutch Colony at the Cape.
In addition there was fierce competition from Xhosa tribesmen for both water and
grazing to feed their cattle herds. Adventurers, explorers and big game hunters
regularly passed through the district together with ivory traders transporting their
heavily loaded wagons on the long journey to the coast. Smuggling of firearms,
ammunition and liquor across the ill-defined northern boundary of the Cape Colony
was rife and these commodities were in high demand in this lawless environment.
Beaufort West is the oldest municipality in South Africa. It was proclaimed on 27
November 1818. The then governor of the Cape, Lord Charles Somerset, named the
town and district ‘Beaufort’ in honour of his father, the 5th Duke of Beaufort. To avoid
confusion with Fort Beaufort and Port Beaufort, the name ‘Beaufort’ was changed to
Beaufort West in the 1860s.
In December 1994, the former black township Kwa-Mandlenkosi was amalgamated
with Beaufort West Municipality. In December 2000, the rural towns of Merweville and
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 9
Nelspoort were also incorporated as part of the Beaufort West Municipality. Professor
Christiaan Barnard, the town’s most famous son, performed the first successful
human-to-human heart transplant. He is honoured in the local museum, which houses
a display of awards presented to him and a replica of the original heart transplant
theatre. Beaufort West is the site of one of the largest migrations of mammals on
record.
“BEAUFORT WEST IS THE OLDEST
MUNICIPALITY IN SOUTH AFRICA. IT WAS
PROCLAIMED ON 27 NOVEMBER 1818.”
Despite its dryness, Laingsburg is well known for the freak flood that devastated the
town on the 25 of January 1981. In a matter of Hours the entire Town was under water,
with only the roofs of Houses visible. The traumatic event was due to an abnormal
rainfall in the Catchments of both the Buffels and Baviaans Rivers that come together
in the Town, claiming 104 Lives and leaving only 21 Buildings standing. Today high
water marks line lamp posts and the Dutch Reformed Church, one of the few remaining
Buildings, to serve as a reminder, and the local Library has a collection of photographs
and press cuttings covering the disaster. The Laingsburg Flood Museum, is dedicated
to capturing the essence of the Town and its People.
The earliest inhabitants of the northern slopes of the Swartberg Mountains in the
vicinity of modern-day Prince Albert were the San or Bushmen. As the early trekboers
or nomadic farmers moved into the area during the mid-eighteenth century the
inevitable conflict between the pastoral activities of these early European settlers and
the hunter gatherer lifestyle of the Bushmen eventually resulted in the Bushmen’s
movement away from the district into the vast open spaces of the Great Karoo to the
north or their assimilation into the local population.
The settlement at Prince Albert grew from the loan farm Queeckvalleij established by
Zacharias and Dina de Beer in 1762. The village was officially named Prince Albert in
1846, in honour of Queen Victoria's consort. The railway linking Cape Town with the
interior reached Prince Albert Road in 1879 and this further spurred development in
the village. However, the most significant development in the transport links with the
remote village was the construction of the spectacular Swartberg Pass over the
Swartberg Mountains linking Prince Albert and the far flung communities of the western
Great Karoo with Oudtshoorn in the Kein Karoo.
2.3 Spatial status
The District is a low rainfall desert region, located on South Africa’s central high-
plateau and in the rain shadow of the Cape Fold mountains. It is classified as a cold
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
10
desert climate (BWk) in terms of the Koppen climate classification. This means that a
dry climate prevails, with generally low relative humidity.
Rainfall generally falls predominantly from thunder storms that occur in late summer
(peaking in March), with the mountainous areas in the far north east receiving the most
rains. Summer days can be brutally hot, with day-time peaks occasionally reaching 40
degrees Celsius, although early summer mornings are often cool and pleasant. Winter
days are mild and warm, with the nights and mornings being cold – often experiencing
frost. The three local municipalities within the Central Karoo District Municipality are
Laingsburg, Prince Albert and Beaufort West.
Laingsburg Local Municipality is named after John Laing, Commissioner of Crown
lands in the Cabinets of Sprigg and Rhodes. The municipality covers an area of 8
784km². There are two main towns in the municipality and they are Laingsburg and
Matjiesfontein. Laingsburg is a modern Karoo town, only 280km from Cape Town. The
town lies in a geologically fascinating area, steeped in history and tradition. It dates
back to the mid-1700s. In those years, farmers along the banks of the Buffels River
offered hospitality to adventurers brave enough to cross the mountains and venture
out onto the arid plains of the Great Karoo. In exchange for news of Cape Town and
the civilized world, as well as gossip garnered from other farms along the way, these
isolated farmers of the interior offered accommodation, sustenance and fodder. The
key towns are Laingsburg and Matjiesfontein and economic drivers are agriculture,
finance, construction, and community services.
Prince Albert Local Municipality is named after the Prince Consort (1819 -1861) who
governed England for 21 years. He was of Wettin lineage, the son of Ernest I, Duke of
Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and first cousin to Queen Victoria. The municipality covers an
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 11
area of 8153km². The main towns that make up Prince Albert local Municipality are
Klaarstroom, Leeu Gamka, Prince Albert, and Welgemoed. It lies on the southern edge
of the Great Karoo, a semi-desert region. It is the smallest of the three municipalities
that make up the district, though it accounts for a quarter of its geographical area. The
main towns are Klaarstroom, Leeu Gamka, Prince Albert and Welgemoed. The main
economic sectors are agriculture and tourism.
Beaufort West Local Municipality is named by Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of
the Cape, 1814 - 1826 after his father, the fifth Duke of Bedfort. It covers an area of 21
917km² and includes the main towns of Beaufort West, Merweville, Murraysburg and
Nelspoort. It is bordered by the Northern Cape to the north and west, Prince Albert to
the south, and the Eastern Cape to the east. It is the largest municipality of three in the
district, making up more than half its geographical area. In December 1994, the former
black township Kwa-Mandlenkosi was amalgamated with Beaufort West Municipality.
In December 2000, the rural towns of Merweville and Nelspoort were also incorporated
as part of the Beaufort West Municipality. Key towns are Beaufort West, Merweville,
Murraysburg, and Nelspoort. The main economic sectors are transport and
communication (25.3%), wholesale and retail trade (16.8%), general government
services (14.4%), manufacturing (10.9%) and agriculture (7.7%).
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
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PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 13
Social Development Profile
3.1 Key social demographics
3.1.1 Population
When compared to other regions, the Central Karoo District
Municipality accounts for a total population of 78,632, or 1.2% of the
total population in the Western Cape Province, with the City of Cape
Town being the most populous region in the Western Cape Province
for 2019. The ranking in terms of the size of Central Karoo compared
to the other regions remained the same between 2009 and 2019.
In terms of its share the Central Karoo District Municipality was slightly smaller in 2019
(1.2%) compared to what it was in 2009 (1.3%).When looking at the average annual
growth rate, Central Karoo ranked lowest (relative to its peers in terms of growth) with
an average annual growth rate of 1.3% between 2009 and 2019.
2009 2014 2019 Average Annual growth
Laingsburg 7,950 8,760 9,540 1.84% Prince Albert 12,600 13,800 14,800 1.64% Beaufort West 48,500 51,300 54,300 1.14% Central Karoo 69,016 73,858 78,632 1.31%
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
The Laingsburg Local Municipality increased the most, in terms of population, with an
average annual growth rate of 1.8%, the Prince Albert Local Municipality had the
second highest growth in terms of its population, with an average annual growth rate
of 1.6%. The Beaufort West Local Municipality had the lowest average annual growth
rate of 1.14% relative to the other within the Central Karoo District Municipality.
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
14
3.1.2 Gender, Age and Race
In 2019, Central Karoo District had more females (50.4%) than males (49.6%).The
median age is 26 years (2016 CS) which is lower than the provincial figure and higher
than South Africa at 25 years.
According to the CS 2016 illustrated by diagram below, the largest share of population
is within the 10-19 years age category with a total number of 14 482 or 20% of the total
population. The age category with the second largest number of people is the young
working age category (20-29 years) with a total share of 13 982 or 19%, followed by
the older working age category (45-64 years) with 159 000 people. In total, the district
had a youthful population that make up 56%.
According to the population pyramid below, it can be seen that the pattern of a youthful
population in the District is still the same in 2019. According to the population pyramid,
the majority of people in the District are between the ages of 4 and 10 years of age. It
is worth noting that the population pyramid shrinks between the ages of 15 to 29 and
grows again between the ages of 30 to 39.
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 15
3.1.3. Households
In 2019, the Central Karoo District Municipality comprised of 22 100 households. This
equates to an average annual growth rate of 1.80% in the number of households from
2009 to 2019. With an average annual growth rate of 1.31% in the total population, the
average household size in the Central Karoo District Municipality is by implication
decreasing. This is confirmed by the data where the average household size in 2009
decreased from approximately 3.7 individuals per household to 3.6 persons per
household in 2019.
Relative to the province, the Central Karoo District Municipality had a lower average
annual growth rate of 1.80% from 2009 to 2019. In contrast, the South Africa had a
total of 17 million households, with a growth rate of 2.09%, thus growing at a higher
rate than the Central Karoo.
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
16
Central Karoo
Western Cape National Total Central Karoo as % of province
Central Karoo as % of national
0-2400 0 166 1,580 0.21% 0.02% 2400-6000 26 3,610 31,100 0.71% 0.08% 6000-12000 116 27,800 305,000 0.42% 0.04% 12000-18000 304 53,400 597,000 0.57% 0.05% 18000-30000 1,320 148,000 1,750,000 0.89% 0.08% 30000-42000 1,680 155,000 1,790,000 1.08% 0.09% 42000-54000 1,880 155,000 1,610,000 1.21% 0.12% 54000-72000 2,800 189,000 1,780,000 1.49% 0.16% 72000-96000 2,750 178,000 1,620,000 1.54% 0.17% 96000-132000 2,650 191,000 1,560,000 1.39% 0.17% 132000-192000 2,360 197,000 1,500,000 1.20% 0.16% 192000-360000 2,930 276,000 1,920,000 1.06% 0.15% 360000-600000 1,720 197,000 1,270,000 0.87% 0.14% 600000-1200000 1,260 160,000 934,000 0.79% 0.13% 1200000-2400000 426 61,700 321,000 0.69% 0.13% 2400000+ 74 11,800 53,900 0.63% 0.14%
Total 22,300 2,000,000 17,000,000 1.11% 0.13%
It was estimated that in 2019, 7.91% of all the households in the Central Karoo District
Municipality, were living on R30,000 or less per annum. In comparison with 2009's
21.03%, the number is about half. The R192 000-R360 000 income category has the
highest number of households with a total number of 2 930, followed by the R54 000-
R72 000 income category with 2 800 households. Only 0.34 households fall within the
0-2400 income category.
The Spatial Development Framework of the District Municipality indicates that the
number of household are projected to increase to 24 516 in 2030 with Beaufort West
Municipality anticipated to have the most number of households along the same period
followed by Prince Albert Municipality.
According to the Community Survey 2016, 40.8% households in the District are
headed by women while 59% households are headed by males. This is just more than
2% higher than the average for the province (38%) and just less than that of the country
(41.3%)
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 17
3.2 Health profile
As indicated by the diagram below, the health profile of the Central Karoo District
indicates that 63% of deaths between children is pre-birth complications, lower
respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases. Road injuries constitutes 77% of the
causes of deaths between the ages of 5 and 14. Inter-personal violence and road
injuries are the main cause of death amongst peopl in the ages of 15 and 24
constituting 64%. The main causes death between the ages of 25 and 64 is non-
communicable diseases followed by HIV and TB. The main causes of death in people
living in the District from the age of 65 and above at 87% are cerebrovasclular
diseases, and ischemic heart diseases.
Healthcare facilities in the Central Karoo are listed in the Local Government Socio
Economic Profile (LGSEP) and consist of 4 district hospitals, as well as Nelspoort
Hospital (psychiatric and TB hospital) supported by a compliment of 9 fixed Primary
Health Care facilities made up of 8 fixed public health care facilities and one community
day centre.
3.3 Covid-19
As of 04 July 2020, Central Karoo District had 43 confirmed cases, with 10 recoveries
as shown in the diagram below. Based on these figures, Central Karoo District
Municipality has the lowest number of cases in the entire province. The Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Albert Luthuli Centre for
Responsible leadership have developed a set of COVID-19 Vulnerability Indicators
using available data and knowledge. It identifies vulnerabilities present in communities
and identifies areas in need of targeted coordinated interventions and early response.
The purpose of the indicators is intended to support the early prevention/mitigation and
preparedness phase whilst informing disaster management decision making. It is not
based on epidemiological modelling but a response to highlighting intervention areas
due to underlying situation. The composition of the index follows two main factors
transmission potential and health susceptibility.
Transmission potential areas identify areas that prevent social distancing to be
practiced and where limitations of practicing good basic hygiene. The health
susceptibility index denotes areas where large number of people are potential more
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
18
susceptible to being adversely affected by COVID-10 due to factors such as age and
underlying health conditions. The Central Karoo vulnerability profile is presented
below. The map shows low vulnerability areas (blue dotted areas) versus areas with
higher vulnerability (red dotted areas)
The area generaly has little vulnerability however the township area of Sidesaviwa (we
were finally heard) in Beaufort West displays some vulnerabilities. Area specific live
GIS vunerability maps are available curtosy of CSIR at:
https://pta-gis-2-web1.csir.co.za/portal2/apps/opsdashboard/#/390a74fb10844c7a85396e60555a866d
In respect of COVID-19 quarantine facilities, as at end May 2020 a total of five (5)
facilities have been identified in Central Karoo District as shown in the table below.
Of the five facilities, only one quarantine site is DoH compliant. There other four sites
have not been assessed. None of the quarantine sites have been activated as at the
end of May 2020.
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 19
3.4 Poverty dimensions
3.4.1 Distribution
In 2019, there were 39 000 people living in poverty, using the upper poverty line
definition, across Central Karoo District Municipality. This is 6.50% higher than the
36 600 in 2009. The percentage of people living in poverty has decreased from
53.00% in 2009 to 49.54% in 2019, which indicates a decrease of 3.46 percentage
points. While there is a minor decrease in poverty over the ten year period in the
district, the poverty level remains very high.
In 2019, the population group with the highest percentage of people living in poverty
was the African population group with a total of 58.9% people living in poverty, using
the upper poverty line definition. The proportion of the African population group, living
in poverty, decreased by 6.07 percentage points, as can be seen by the change from
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
0
5 000
10 000
15 000
20 000
25 000
30 000
35 000
40 000
45 000
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Number and percentage of people in poverty Central Karoo, 2009-2019
Number of people in poverty Percentage of people in poverty
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
Town Potential Site/ Building Name
Site Or Building Type
State-owned or Private
No Of Rooms Available
Status Of Facility
Activated Site
Nelspoort Nelspoort Facility
HEALTH FACILITY
State-Owned Not assessed Pending
Beaufort West Karoo main camp
SANPARKS 38 Not assessed Pending
Beaufort West Karoo National Park
SANPARKS State-Owned DOH Compliant
Pending
Laingsburg
Anysberg Nature Reserve including Grand Canyon
NATURE RESERVE LODGE
State-Owned 11 Not assessed Pending
Laingsburg 39 Voortrekker St, Laingsburg
House 3 Not assessed Pending
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
20
65.00% in 2009 to 58.93% in 2019. In 2019 1.90% of the White population group lived
in poverty, as compared to the 1.84% in 2009.
In terms of the percentage of people living in poverty for each of the regions within the
Central Karoo District Municipality, Beaufort West Local Municipality has the highest
percentage of people living in poverty, using the upper poverty line definition, with a
total of 50.6%. The lowest percentage of people living in poverty can be observed in
the Laingsburg Local Municipality with a total of 42.7% living in poverty, using the upper
poverty line definition.
In terms of the poverty gap rate for each of the regions within the Central Karoo District
Municipality, Beaufort West Local Municipality had the highest poverty gap rate, with
a rand value of 27.2%. The lowest poverty gap rate can be observed in the Prince
Albert Local Municipality with a total of 26.3%.
3.4.2 Inequality
In 2019 Central Karoo District Municipality had an HDI of 0.673 compared to the
Western Cape with a HDI of 0.733 and 0.662 of National Total as a whole. Seeing that
South Africa recorded a lower HDI in 2019 when compared to Central Karoo District
Municipality which translates to better human development for Central Karoo District
Municipality compared to South Africa. South Africa's HDI increased at an average
annual growth rate of 1.44% and this increase is higher than that of Central Karoo
District Municipality (1.32%).
38,0%
40,0%
42,0%
44,0%
46,0%
48,0%
50,0%
52,0%
Laingsburg Prince Albert Beaufort West
% of people living in poverty Central Karoo District Municipality, 2019
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 21
In terms of the HDI for each the regions within the Central Karoo District Municipality,
Laingsburg Local Municipality has the highest HDI, with an index value of 0.679. The
lowest can be observed in the Beaufort West Local Municipality with an index value of
0.67.
In 2019, the Gini coefficient in Central Karoo District Municipality was at 0.59, which
reflects a increase in the number over the ten-year period from 2009 to 2019. The
Western Cape Province and South Africa, both had a more unequal spread of income
amongst their residents (at 0.618 and 0.63 respectively) when compared to Central
Karoo District Municipality.
0,0
0,1
0,2
0,3
0,4
0,5
0,6
0,7
0,8
Central Karoo Western Cape National Total
Human Development Index (HDI) Central Karoo, Western Cape and National Total, 2009, 2014, 2019
2009 2014 2019
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
0,48
0,50
0,52
0,54
0,56
0,58
0,60
0,62
0,64
0,66
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Gini coefficient Central Karoo, Western Cape and National Total, 2009-2019
Central Karoo Western Cape National Total
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
22
In terms of the Gini coefficient for each of the regions within the Central Karoo District
Municipality, Prince Albert Local Municipality has the highest Gini coefficient, with an
index value of 0.599. The lowest Gini coefficient can be observed in the Laingsburg
Local Municipality with an index value of 0.578.
“LAINGSBURG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY HAD THE
LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF 9.5% IN 2019,
WHICH DECREASED FROM 14.4% IN 2009.”
3.4.3 Employment/Unemployment
In 2019, there were a total number of 6 450 people unemployed in Central Karoo,
which is an increase of 1 030 from 5 420 in 2009. The total number of unemployed
people within Central Karoo constitutes 0.99% of the total number of unemployed
people in Western Cape Province. The Central Karoo District Municipality experienced
an average annual increase of 1.76% in the number of unemployed people, which is
better than that of the Western Cape Province which had an average annual increase
in unemployment of 2.65%.
When comparing unemployment rates among regions within Central Karoo District
Municipality, Prince Albert Local Municipality has indicated the highest unemployment
rate of 28.1%, which has decreased from 28.6% in 2009. It can be seen that the
Laingsburg Local Municipality had the lowest unemployment rate of 9.5% in 2019,
which decreased from 14.4% in 2009.
18%
19%
20%
21%
22%
23%
24%
0
1 000
2 000
3 000
4 000
5 000
6 000
7 000
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Number of unemployed & Unemployment rate Central Karoo, 2009-2019
Number of unemployed people Unemployment rate
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 23
In Central Karoo District Municipality the economic sectors that recorded the largest
number of employment in 2019 were the agriculture sector with a total of 8 220
employed people or 33.5% of total employment in the district municipality. The
community services sector with a total of 5 100 (20.8%) employs the second highest
number of people relative to the rest of the sectors. The mining sector with 38 (0.2%)
is the sector that employs the least number of people in Central Karoo District
Municipality, followed by the electricity sector with 111 (0.5%) people employed.
3.4.4 Crime
For the period 2008/2009 to 2018/2019 overall crime has decrease at an average
annual rate of 0.19% within the Central Karoo District Municipality. Violent crime
decreased by 0.23% since 2008/2009, while property crimes increased by 0.05%
between the 2008/2009 and 2018/2019 financial years.
1 Agriculture 2 Mining
3 Manufacturing
4 Electricity
5 Construction
6 Trade
7 Transport8 Finance
9 Community services
Households
Total Employment Composition Central Karoo, 2019
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019
Overall, Violent and Property Crime Index Central Karoo, 2008/2009-2018/2019
OverallCrime Index Violent Crime Index Property Crime Index
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
24
3.5 Education and skills profile
Within Central Karoo District Municipality, the number of people without any schooling
decreased from 2009 to 2019 with an average annual rate of -3.82%, while the number
of people within the 'matric only' category, increased from 8,360 to 13,300. The number
of people with 'matric and a certificate/diploma' decreased with an average annual rate
of -1.00%, with the number of people with a 'matric and a Bachelor's' degree increasing
with an average annual rate of 3.31%.
“A TOTAL OF 44 400 INDIVIDUALS IN
CENTRAL KAROO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
WERE CONSIDERED FUNCTIONALLY LITERATE
IN 2019, WHILE 9 780 PEOPLE WERE
CONSIDERED TO BE ILLITERATE.”
The number of people without any schooling in Central Karoo District Municipality
accounts for 3.33% of the number in the province and a total share of 0.13% of the
national. In 2019, the number of people in Central Karoo District Municipality with a
matric only was 13,300 which is a share of 0.93% of the province's total number of
people that has obtained a matric. The number of people with a matric and a Postgrad
degree constitutes 0.43% of the province and 0.07% of the national.
A total of 44 400 individuals in Central Karoo District Municipality were considered
functionally literate in 2019, while 9 780 people were considered to be illiterate.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Highest level of education: age 15+ Central Karoo, 2009-2019
Matric &Postgrad degree
Matric &Bachelors degree
Matric &certificate /diplomaMatric only
Certificate /diploma withoutmatricGrade 10-11
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 25
Expressed as a rate, this amounts to 81.95% of the population, which is an increase
of 0.073 percentage points since 2009 (74.61%). The number of illiterate individuals
decreased on average by -2.01% annually from 2009 to 2019, with the number of
functional literate people increasing at 2.34% annually.
Illiterate Literate %
2009 11,987 35,218 74.6% 2010 11,606 36,482 75.9% 2011 11,481 37,383 76.5% 2012 11,211 38,352 77.4% 2013 10,934 39,310 78.2% 2014 10,781 40,126 78.8% 2015 10,689 40,855 79.3% 2016 10,443 41,732 80.0% 2017 10,136 42,689 80.8% 2018 10,026 43,463 81.3% 2019 9,781 44,394 81.9% Average Annual growth 2009-2019 -2.01% 2.34% 0.94%
Economic Drivers
4.1 Structure of the economy
With a GDP of R 4.61 billion in 2019 (up from R 2.32 billion in 2009),
the Central Karoo District Municipality contributed 0.67% to the
Western Cape Province GDP of R 688 billion in 2019 increasing in the
share of the Western Cape from 0.68% in 2009. The Central Karoo
District Municipality contributes 0.09% to the GDP of South Africa
which had a total GDP of R 5.08 trillion in 2019 (as measured in
nominal or current prices).It's contribution to the national economy
stayed similar in importance from 2009 when it contributed 0.09% to
South Africa, but it is lower than the peak of 0.09% in 2009.
In 2019, the Central Karoo District Municipality achieved an annual growth rate of
1.67% which is a significantly higher GDP growth than the Western Cape Province's
0.32%, and is higher than that of South Africa, where the 2019 GDP growth rate was
0.15%. Contrary to the short-term growth rate of 2019, the longer-term average growth
rate for Central Karoo (1.45%) is slightly lower than that of South Africa (1.68%). The
economic growth in Central Karoo peaked in 2014 at 3.12%.
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
26
The Central Karoo District Municipality had a total GDP of R 4.61 billion and in terms
of total contribution towards Western Cape Province the Central Karoo District
Municipality ranked lowest relative to all the regional economies to total Western Cape
Province GDP. This ranking in terms of size compared to other regions of Central
Karoo remained the same since 2009. In terms of its share, it was in 2019 (0.7%) very
similar compared to what it was in 2009 (0.7%). For the period 2009 to 2019, the
average annual growth rate of 1.4% of Central Karoo was the third relative to its peers
in terms of growth in constant 2010 prices.
The greatest contributor to the Central Karoo District Municipality economy is the
Beaufort West Local Municipality with a share of 71.15% or R 3.28 billion, increasing
from R 1.69 billion in 2009. The economy with the lowest contribution is the Laingsburg
Local Municipality with R 602 million growing from R 280 million in 2009.
Central Karoo
Western Cape
National Total
Central Karoo as % of province
Central Karoo as % of national
Agriculture 0.5 21.1 95.7 2.2% 0.48% Mining 0.0 1.7 376.4 0.1% 0.00% Manufacturing 0.2 95.0 598.2 0.2% 0.03% Electricity 0.2 17.7 173.4 1.1% 0.11% Construction 0.3 31.7 172.2 0.8% 0.15% Trade 0.6 107.5 685.3 0.6% 0.09% Transport 0.7 65.9 442.1 1.0% 0.15% Finance 0.6 157.0 889.3 0.4% 0.07% Community services
1.2 115.5 1,091.2 1.1% 0.11%
Total Industries 4.2 613.1 4,523.6 0.7% 0.09%
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1803
In 2019, the community services sector is the largest within Central Karoo District
Municipality accounting for R 1.23 billion or 29.0% of the total GVA in the district
municipality's economy. The sector that contributes the second most to the GVA of the
Central Karoo District Municipality is the transport sector at 15.7%, followed by the
trade sector with 15.0%. The sector that contributes the least to the economy of Central
Karoo District Municipality is the mining sector with a contribution of R 892,000 or
0.02% of the total GVA.
“THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTOR TO THE CENTRAL
KAROO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ECONOMY IS
THE BEAUFORT WEST LOCAL MUNICIPALITY WITH
A SHARE OF 71.15% OR R 3.28 BILLION”
The community sector, which includes the government services, is generally a large
contributor towards GVA in smaller and more rural local municipalities. When looking
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 27
at the regions within the district municipality, the Beaufort West Local Municipality
made the largest contribution to the community services sector at 73.77% of the district
municipality. As a whole, the Beaufort West Local Municipality contributed R 3.03
billion or 71.39% to the GVA of the Central Karoo District Municipality, making it the
largest contributor to the overall GVA of the Central Karoo District Municipality.
For the period 2019 and 2009, the GVA in the mining sector had the highest average
annual growth rate in Central Karoo at 3.03%. The industry with the second highest
average annual growth rate is the finance sector averaging at 2.50% per year. The
agriculture sector had an average annual growth rate of -0.54%, while the electricity
sector had the lowest average annual growth of -1.03%. Overall a positive growth
existed for all the industries in 2019 with an annual growth rate of 1.62% since 2018.
“THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR EXPERIENCED THE LOWEST GROWTH FOR THE PERIOD
DURING 2016 AT -9.0%”
4.2 Primary sector
The primary sector consists of two broad economic sectors namely the mining and the
agricultural sector. The following chart represents the average growth rate in the GVA
for both of these sectors in Central Karoo District Municipality from 2009 to 2019.
Between 2009 and 2019, the agriculture sector experienced the highest positive
growth in 2017 with an average growth rate of 11.5%. The mining sector reached its
highest point of growth of 7.1% in 2013.
The agricultural sector experienced the lowest growth for the period during 2016 at -
9.0%, while the mining sector reaching its lowest point of growth in 2015 at -5.2%. Both
AgricultureMining
Manufacturing
Electricity
ConstructionTrade
Transport
Finance
Community services
Gross Value Added (GVA) by broad economic sector Central Karoo District Municipality, 2019
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
28
the agriculture and mining sectors are generally characterised by volatility in growth
over the period.
4.3 Secondary sector
The secondary sector consists of three broad economic sectors namely the
manufacturing, electricity and the construction sector. The following chart represents
the average growth rates in the GVA for these sectors in Central Karoo District
Municipality from 2009 to 2019.
Between 2009 and 2019, the manufacturing sector experienced the highest positive
growth in 2010 with a growth rate of 7.1%. The construction sector reached its highest
growth in 2009 at 5.8%. The manufacturing sector experienced its lowest growth in
2011 of -8.6%, while construction sector reached its lowest point of growth in 2011 a
with -3.6% growth rate. The electricity sector experienced the highest growth in 2017
at 3.9%, while it recorded the lowest growth of -6.8% in 2019.
-10%
-5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Gross value added (GVA) by primary sector Central Karoo, 2009-2019
Agriculture Mining
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 29
4.4 Tertiary sector
The tertiary sector consists of four broad economic sectors namely the trade, transport,
finance and the community services sector. The following chart represents the average
growth rates in the GVA for these sectors in Central Karoo District Municipality from
2009 to 2019.
The trade sector experienced the highest positive growth in 2010 with a growth rate of
8.4%. The transport sector reached its highest point of growth in 2014 at 3.8%. The
finance sector experienced the highest growth rate in 2019 when it grew by 5.5% and
recorded the lowest growth rate in 2009 at 0.2%. The Trade sector also had the lowest
growth rate in 2009 at -0.5%. The community services sector, which largely consists
of government, experienced its highest positive growth in 2019 with 3.6% and the
lowest growth rate in 2017 with 0.1%.
-10%
-8%
-6%
-4%
-2%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Gross value added (GVA) by secondary sector Central Karoo, 2009-2019
Manufacturing Electricity Construction
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
30
“THE TRADE SECTOR EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST POSITIVE GROWTH IN 2010
WITH A GROWTH RATE OF 8.4%.”
4.5 Informal economy
In 2019 the Trade sector recorded the highest number of informally employed, with a
total of 985 employees or 33.16% of the total informal employment. This can be
expected as the barriers to enter the Trade sector in terms of capital and skills required
is less than with most of the other sectors. The Manufacturing sector has the lowest
informal employment with 148 and only contributes 4.99% to total informal
employment.
-4%
-2%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Gross value added (GVA) by tertiary sector Central Karoo, 2009-2019
Trade Transport Finance Community services
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
0
1 000
2 000
3 000
4 000
5 000
6 000
7 000
8 000
9 000
Formal and informal employment by sector Central Karoo, 2019
Formal employment Informal employment
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 31
Service Delivery
5.1 Water and Sanitation
The regions within Central Karoo District Municipality with the highest number of
households with piped water inside the dwelling is Beaufort West Local Municipality
with 12 600 or a share of 71.77% of the households with piped water inside the dwelling
within Central Karoo District Municipality. The region with the lowest number of
households with piped water inside the dwelling is Laingsburg Local Municipality with
a total of 1 970 or a share of 11.26% of the total households with piped water inside
the dwelling within Central Karoo District Municipality.
When looking at the water backlog (number of households below RDP-level) over time,
it can be seen that in 2008 the number of households below the RDP-level were 834
within Central Karoo District Municipality, this decreased annually at -11.65% per
annum to 242 in 2018.
Central Karoo District Municipality had a total number of 20 200 flush toilets (92.84%
of total households), 935 Ventilation Improved Pit (VIP) (4.30% of total households)
and 154 (0.71%) of total households pit toilets. The region within Central Karoo with
the highest number of flush toilets is Beaufort West Local Municipality with 14 000 or
a share of 69.31% of the flush toilets within Central Karoo. The region with the lowest
number of flush toilets is Laingsburg Local Municipality with a total of 2 540 or a share
of 12.59% of the total flush toilets within Central Karoo District Municipality.
0
200
400
600
800
1 000
1 200
1 400
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Water backlog Central Karoo, 2008-2018
Water backlog - number of households below RDP-level
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
32
5.2 Human settlements
Central Karoo District Municipality had a total number of 16 200 (74.60% of total
households) very formal dwelling units, a total of 4 670 (21.50% of total households)
formal dwelling units and a total number of 600 (2.76% of total households) informal
dwelling units.
The region within the Central Karoo District Municipality with the highest number of
very formal dwelling units is the Beaufort West Local Municipality with 11 900 or a
share of 73.63% of the total very formal dwelling units within Central Karoo District
Municipality. The region with the lowest number of very formal dwelling units is the
Laingsburg Local Municipality with a total of 1 640 or a share of 10.11% of the total
very formal dwelling units within Central Karoo District Municipality.
When looking at the formal dwelling unit backlog (number of households not living in a
formal dwelling) over time, it can be seen that in 2008 the number of households not
living in a formal dwelling were 541 within Central Karoo District Municipality. From
2008 this number increased annually at 4.58% to 847 in 2018. The total number of
households within Central Karoo District Municipality increased at an average annual
rate of 1.75% from 2008 to 2018, which is higher than the annual increase of 2.13% in
the number of households in South Africa.
0
200
400
600
800
1 000
1 200
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Sanitation backlog Central Karoo, 2008-2018
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 33
“THE REGION WITH THE LOWEST NUMBER
OF HOUSEHOLDS WHERE THE REFUSE IS
REMOVED WEEKLY BY THE AUTHORITY IS
LAINGSBURG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY WITH
A TOTAL OF 1 910 OR A SHARE OF 10.19%
OF THE TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS”
5.3 Waste management
Central Karoo District Municipality had a total number of 18 800 (86.37%) households
which had their refuse removed weekly by the authority, a total of 184 (0.85%)
households had their refuse removed less often than weekly by the authority and a
total number of 1 910 (8.81%) households which had to remove their refuse personally
(own dump).
The region within Central Karoo with the highest number of households where the
refuse is removed weekly by the authority is Beaufort West Local Municipality with
13 200 or a share of 70.21% of the households where the refuse is removed weekly
by the authority within Central Karoo. The region with the lowest number of households
where the refuse is removed weekly by the authority is Laingsburg Local Municipality
with a total of 1 910 or a share of 10.19% of the total households where the refuse is
removed weekly by the authority within the district municipality.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Formal dwelling backlog Central Karoo, 2008-2018
Formal dwelling backlog
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
34
When looking at the number of households with no formal refuse removal, it can be
seen that in 2008 the households with no formal refuse removal in Central Karoo
District Municipality was 3 110, this decreased annually at -1.14% per annum to 2 780
in 2018.
5.4 Roads and transport
A defining feature of the District is the N1, a national road which runs in a southwest-
northeast direction 364 kilometres through the municipality. The N1 enters the District
in the west from the Cape Winelands District, and passes through Laingsburg, Leeu
Gamka, Beaufort West, and Nelspoort and then exits the District into the Northern
Cape. The N1 is maintained by SANRAL, and the full length of this road is surfaced.
According to the 2015-2020 District Integrated Transport Plan (ITP), the road “carries
an average of 2,496 vehicles per day of which 52% are heavy vehicles”. This road
is a key national connector between Cape Town and Johannesburg – the two biggest
cities in South Africa.
In the eastern part of the District, the N12 runs in a north-south direction from Beaufort
West through Klaarstroom, and on to Oudtshoorn. This road has a total extent of 128
kilometres. While the N12 has a national road designation, this road is considered a
‘trunk road’ and is therefore maintained by the Western Cape Provincial Government.
The District ITP indicates that the N12 is in a relatively poor condition.
Other important roads in the Central Karoo include:
• R61 which runs in an easterly direction from Beaufort West to Aberdeen with a
length of 74 kilometres to the District boundary (surface: asphalt; condition: fair to
good).
• R63 which runs from the N1 towards Murraysburg and Graaff-Reinet with a total
length of 87 kilometres (surface: asphalt; condition: mostly poor, but fair to good in
0
500
1 000
1 500
2 000
2 500
3 000
3 500
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Refuse removal Central Karoo, 2008-2018
Number of households with no formal refuse removal
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 35
places).
• R407 which connects Prince Albert to Klaarstroom and the N12 via the Kredouw
Pass (distance: 47 kilometres, surface: asphalt; condition: fair to good).
• R328 which connects Prince Albert Road at the N1 to Prince Albert town which
covers a distanced of 44 kilometres. The R328 then continues over the Swartberg
Pass (surface: asphalt; condition: poor to fair).
• R381 from Beaufort West towards Loxton in the Northern Cape which is 95
kilometres in length to the District boundary (surface: asphalt for 28 km, and gravel
for 68 km; condition: paved roads are in good condition, gravel roads are in poor
condition).
• R323 from Laingsburg to the Seweweekspoort which is 77 kilometres in length of
which only 30 kilometres is surfaced (surface: asphalt; condition: fair to good).
• R353 which runs northwards from Leeu Gamka at the N1 towards Fraserburg which
is 74 kilometres in length (surface: asphalt; condition: good).
• R354 from Matjiesfontein towards Sutherland which is 43 kilometres to the District
boundary (surface: asphalt; condition: fair to poor in places).
• R306 from the R61 to Rietbron in the Eastern Cape which runs for 60 kilometres to
the District boundary (surface: gravel; condition: fair to good).
In terms of road safety, the N1 accounts for almost 2/3rds of all fatalities, mostly
attributed to poor driver behaviour and fatigue. Head/rear collisions, overturned
vehicles and side-swipes account for almost 9 out of 10 incidents on the N1 (Central
Karoo ITP, 2016).
Rail Network
The history and development of the Central Karoo is closely linked to the expansion
of the South African Railways in the 19th century. South African railway history is
particularly notable in the town of Matjiesfontein. Today, the railway operates freight
and passenger services which travel across the District, running in parallel to the N1.
The rail line specifically runs in a southwest-northeast direction and passes through
Matjiesfontein, Laingsburg, Leeu Gamka, Beaufort West, and Nelspoort. The District
has two major railway stations at Beaufort West and Laingsburg which can
accommodate both passenger and freight services. While the Central Karoo has
significant and relatively modern rail infrastructure, it is not used to the full benefit of
local communities.
Public transport
Formal public transport services are very limited across the District. Given its size, the
town of Beaufort West has mini-bus taxis, sedan taxis, a single bus service, and mini-
bus taxi rank infrastructure in its CBD. However, there are irregular mini-bus taxi
services operating between settlements across the District in medium to long-haul type
services. This makes travelling for education, health, and leisure opportunities
both costly and unpredictable for many of the Central Karoo’s residents.
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
36
Long distance bus operators have scheduled daily stops at Laingsburg, Prince Albert
Road, and Beaufort West with connections to Cape Town, Kimberley, Bloemfontein,
Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. More than 28 buses (with a potential passenger
capacity of 12,000 per week) from established national operators pass through the
Central Karoo daily.
Air transport
There are three landing strips/airfields across the District; one in every Local
Municipality. These facilities are primarily used by light aircraft for tourism and leisure
purposes. There are no national or international airports in the region, with the closest
one being George Airport. It is unclear is there is sufficient demand to warrant a
national airport within the region, situated near to Beaufort West, however this would
be a function of demand and economic growth into the future.
5.5 Electricity
Central Karoo District Municipality had a total number of 1 210 (5.58%) households
with electricity for lighting only, a total of 19 700 (90.76%) households had electricity
for lighting and other purposes and a total number of 794 (3.66%) households did not
use electricity.
The region within Central Karoo with the highest number of households with electricity
for lighting and other purposes is Beaufort West Local Municipality with 13 800 or a
share of 69.83% of the households with electricity for lighting and other purposes within
Central Karoo District Municipality. The Region with the lowest number of households
with electricity for lighting and other purposes is Laingsburg Local Municipality with a
total of 2 260 or a share of 11.48% of the total households with electricity for lighting
and other purposes within Central Karoo District Municipality. When looking at the
number of households with no electrical connection over time, it can be seen that in
2008 the households without an electrical connection in Central Karoo District
Municipality was 1 350, this decreased annually at -5.16% per annum to 794 in 2018.
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 37
Governance and Management
6.1 Municipality performance
In terms of municipal financial performance, Central Karoo District
received in unqualified audit with no findings in the 2016/17 financial
years. All the other audit findings had matters of emphasis.
Audit Outcomes
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
Unqualified with matters of emphasis
Unqualified with
no findings
Unqualified with matters of emphasis
Unqualified with matters of emphasis
Between the three local municipalities in the district, Prince Albert Local Municipality’s
financial performance has been consisted and is better than the two local
municipalities. The worst performing municipality in the district in terms of financial
performance is Laingsburg Local Municipality. However, all three local municipalities
obtained similar audit outcomes in 2015 and 2016 financial years.
Municipality Audit outcome
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
Beaufort
West
Unqualified with
matters of
emphasis
Unqualified with
matters of
emphasis
Disclaimer of
opinion
Qualified
Prince Albert Unqualified with
matters of
emphasis
Unqualified with
matters of
emphasis
Unqualified with
no findings
Unqualified with
matters of
emphasis
0
200
400
600
800
1 000
1 200
1 400
1 600
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Electricity connection Central Karoo, 2008-2018
Number of households with no electrical connection
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
38
Laingsburg Unqualified with
matters of
emphasis
Unqualified with
matters of
emphasis
Qualified Outstanding
6.2 Municipality capacity
Based on the strategic and policy decisions made by Council, the senior management
team develops service plans for integration with other sectors within the strategy for
the municipality. The senior management team of the Municipality is supported by a
municipal workforce of 133 permanent employees, which is structured in the
departments to implement the IDP strategic objectives as tabled below:
Projects to Diversify and Grow
the People and the Economy
7.1 Catalytic projects
Based on the Spatial Development Framework of the District there is
one strategic and catalytic project. This project relates to the shale
gas exploration that is currently being supported by the provincial
government.
Permanent positions
filled Funded vacancies Unfunded vacancies Total
133 14 39 186
Representation of employees
Employees categorised in Male 101
terms of gender (permanent
133
Female
32
and temporary employees)
Employees categorised in Coloured African Indian White
terms of race (permanent
133
92
30
1
10
and temporary employees)
Total (permanent and temporary employees)
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 39
7.2 Environmental management and drought
The Central Karoo is a low rainfall desert region, located on South Africa’s central high-
plateau and in the rain shadow of the Cape Fold Mountains. It is classified as a cold
desert climate (BWk) in terms of the Koppen climate classification, which is the most
widely used climate classification systems in the world. This means that a dry climate
prevails, with generally low relative humidity.
The semi desert conditions which prevail within the Central Karoo are a result of the
harsh arid climate. The average annual rainfall for the District is 260 mm per annum.
The highest rainfall occurs to the south with the Groot Swartberg mountain range, on
the north-eastern side of the municipality, which receives between 500 to 700 mm per
annum.
Climate change is expected to produce higher temperatures with possibly lower rainfall
in the medium to long term. There is also a very low degree of certainty of the impacts
of climate change on rainfall with some studies suggesting that parts of the Western
Cape may receive greater rainfall (Western Cape Climate Change Response
Framework, 2016), with concurrent higher levels of evapo-transpiration. Additionally,
agriculture is expected to be negatively impacted with a decline in productivity and
yield, resulting in a potential economic downturn in the region or the need to adopt far
more drought-tolerant farming practices, plants species and approaches.
“THE DISTRICT IS VERY DEPENDENT
ON GROUNDWATER.”
Central Karoo’s arid nature impacts the growth potential of towns, and the viability of
agriculture in the region. The District is very dependent on groundwater. Agriculture
practices have modified area riparian habitats. Overgrazing has resulted in the
degradation of large tracts of land and resulted in extensive soil erosion, with an
associated decline in grazing potential and in water quality due to siltation.
8. Key Recommendations
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO
40
It is recommended that government needs to work with the District to
address the high poverty levels. It is also recommended that
government support the district efforts to:
• Establish a municipal shared services centre to improve the municipal capacity and
reduce the amount of unregulated activities taking place which may negatively
impact the environment. The proposal made by the district is in-line with the overall
roll out process of the District Development Model,
• Explore opportunities in the shale gas exploration in order to stimulate the local,
regional and national economic growth and job creation. It is encouraging to note
in the SDF of the district that the Western Cape Government supports shale gas
exploration conducted in a phased manner, with evidence-based decision making.
PROFILE: CENTRAL KAROO 41
Recommended