Western Cape Department of Local Government advances clarity, equity and dignified living through its Basket of Services study

The Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG) has released the findings of its updated “Basket of Services” research project. This study, which serves as a critical update to an initial 2019 report, marks a significant shift in how the provincial government views the provision of Free Basic Services (FBS) for indigent citizens.

Anton Bredell, Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said that “We are moving away from a 'one-size-fits-all' approach toward a Co-responsibility Model. This involves working across provincial departments to ensure that basic services act as a springboard for social mobility. The goal is to help indigent citizens break the cycle of poverty, moving from basic survival to a dignified life where they can eventually exit the indigent program and contribute economically to society.”

The updated study reflects the harsh socio-economic realities currently facing the Western Cape, characterized by a rising cost of living, severe energy challenges, and water scarcity. These factors have placed unprecedented pressure on both the municipal fiscus and the ability of indigent households to afford even the most basic levels of service.

The research highlights that current legislative minimum FBS, such as 6kl of water and 50kWh of electricity, are increasingly insufficient in our current context. While most Western Cape municipalities meet or exceed these minimums, the study found that rising tariffs and inflation mean indigent households often exhaust their free allocations mid-month, forcing them to choose between essential services and other basic needs like food or medicine.

To bridge this gap, the study recommends a recalibration of service levels to create an "Enabling Dignified Basket of Services." Key suggestions include:

• Water: Increasing free allocations to 10.5kl per household to better reflect health and hygiene needs.
• Energy: Moving toward a 150kWh monthly threshold to support modern household requirements.
• Connectivity: Recognizing internet access as an essential service to enable job-seeking and educational advancement.

The Department will now enter a period of intensive consultation with key role-players to ensure that implementation is both impactful and financially sustainable. This includes:

• Municipal Engagements: Partnering with local authorities to understand the granular factors of their tariff calculations, ensuring that any proposed increases in service levels do not compromise municipal financial health.
• Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Working with Sector Departments to explore how provincial resources can supplement municipal efforts.
• Sustainable Implementation: Once consultations are finalized, the Department will develop a phased implementation plan. This plan will prioritize the long-term financial sustainability of municipalities while ensuring that the "Dignified Basket" remains a foundation for human upliftment.

By utilizing this research as a blueprint, we are committed to helping municipalities redefine their service baskets through a sustainable model. This initiative ensures that the Western Cape remains at the forefront of responsive, capable, and accountable local government, dedicated to the dignity of all its residents, Minister Bredell said.

Media Enquiries:
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Cell: 079 694 3085.