The Kamiesberg Local Municipality Innovative Transformation Journey

Nestled in the heart of Namaqualand, Kamiesberg is addressing rural challenges with innovative strategies, blending digital advancements and community-driven solutions. Let's dive into their journey of transformation, service delivery, and community connection!

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Presented By Business Engineering
Contact them: 0860104888 | admin@be.co.za | www.be.co.za

Episode Guest
Frederick Strauss, CFO at Kamiesberg Local Municipality.

Episode Summary

Overview of Kamiesberg Local Municipality
- Located in Northern Cape's Namakwa District, spanning 24,000 km2; with 16 rural towns.
- Serves over 15,000 residents, with Garies as the main hub, known as the "Heartbeat of Namakwa."
Key Challenges in Rural Service Delivery
- High unemployment (over 60%) and low economic development due to mine closures.
- Limited resources, including a fleet of just three small trucks to service 16 towns.
- Low payment rates from communities, with over half of households classified as indigent.
Innovative Solutions for Efficiency
- Seamless coordination via WhatsApp groups and ward councillors ensures equitable service delivery.
- Transition to Phoenix ERP financial system (July 2024) streamlines billing and financial operations.
- Upcoming Collab Citizen app to enable residents to access statements, make payments, and log complaints.
Technological Advancements
- Upgraded to a VoIP phone system, improving communication across remote towns.
- Plans to provide laptops to staff in rural towns to enhance digital access and financial system integration.
Community Impact and Future Goals
- Technology-driven solutions improve transparency, governance, and resident satisfaction.
- Ongoing efforts to overcome resource constraints and roll out further digital initiatives for better community engagement.