Public invited to comment on Theewaterskloof Municipality’s draft Financial Recovery Plan
On Wednesday, 13 August 2025, the draft Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) for Theewaterskloof Local Municipality was published. Members of the public are invited to submit written comments on the draft plan within 14 days of publication.
In November 2024, the Western Cape Government approved an intervention in the municipality in terms of Section 139(5) of the Constitution following extensive assessments of its financial position. These assessments highlighted risks in the municipality's ability to deliver essential services to its residents.
The municipality's financial position rapidly declined between 2022 and early 2023. In the 2022/23 financial year, the municipality consistently collected over 95% of its planned revenue and closed the year with a surplus. However, by March 2023, problems were identified, including governance instability and obligations exceeding available cash. By August 2024, the collection rate dropped well below the National Treasury recommended norm to 64%. Additionally, the municipality's cash and cash equivalents regressed from R70.96 million on 31 August 2023 to R43.28 million by August 2024, this while commitments increased to R43.73 million.
The draft FRP, prepared by the Municipal Financial Recovery Service within the National Treasury, sets out measures to restore the municipality’s financial health and ensure its ability to meet service delivery and financial obligations.
“If the municipality follows the plan with discipline, it is expected that its finances could be stabilised within approximately five years, an achievable goal that would benefit all residents. I, therefore, want to encourage the residents of Theewaterskloof to review the draft FRP and share their views. It is crucial that the people most directly impacted by this plan have their voices heard,” said Minister of Finance, Deidré Baartman.
Minister Baartman also extended her gratitude to the teams from National Treasury, Provincial Treasury, and the municipality for working together to develop this draft plan, which provides a pathway to restoring sound financial management and ensuring service delivery for the community.
The public has until Wednesday, 27 August 2025 to submit their written comments. Copies of the draft FRP and Implementation Plan, are available at the municipal offices in Caledon during office hours (08:00 to 16:00) and on the municipal website: https://twk.gov.za
Comments can be submitted in one of the following ways:
By email:
Use subject line: COMMENTS ON DRAFT MANDATORY FINANCIAL RECOVERY PLAN – THEEWATERSKLOOF LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
By post:
Kavitha Ruplal
Head: Municipal Financial Recovery Service
National Treasury
Private Bag X115, Pretoria, 0001
By hand:
The Municipal Manager’s Office
Theewaterskloof Local Municipality
6 Plein Street, Caledon, 7230
All written submissions must include the name of the person or organisation, contact number, email or fax number, and postal address.