Imbizo 2021/2022 Budget Article – 09 June 2021

It is under very uncertain conditions that the Cape Winelands District Municipality prepared a draft budget for the 2021/2022 financial year. As is the case with all businesses, the full impact and duration of the Covid-19 pandemic are still uncertain. Even so, it is vital that municipalities plan for financial viability and improved service delivery, while still ensuring that we operate in a financially responsible manner.

The municipality also had to adjust the process of public participation. Under normal circumstances, the various community organisations meet with the municipality in person, but the pandemic and the regulations meant that an innovative method had to be found to ensure that the input of communities was received and, where possible, implemented in a fair and transparent way. Engagements took place on a variety of platforms, including radio broadcasts and social media, to offer the public the opportunity to submit their inputs either electronically or through the traditional hard copy submissions.

With the local elections planned for 27 October 2021, it is important to note that this will be the last draft budget to be approved in the current political term.

During her budget speech, the CWDM’s Executive Mayor, Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, stated, “This is a credible budget compiled under exceptionally challenging circumstances. The Cape Winelands District Municipality must continue to deliver mandated services that are of a high standard and have made a strategic decision to continue with our social and rural development projects, which deserve the best support that we can offer. The new budget will commence on 1 July 2021 and clearly shows the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s commitment to empowerment, hope and economic recovery.”

The budget for the 2021/2022 financial year is made up as follows: