Our district is predominantly a mining and agricultural district, with a lot of potential yet unlocked. The climate is favorable for outdoor living with a great number of “sunny” days throughout the year.
Two of the largest rivers, the Orange and the Vaal, flow through our district. Our population has been estimated at 382 088 in Census 2011 and we have a reputation for being friendly and hospitable people in the Province of the Northern Cape.
The district comprises of four local municipalities plus a rural district management area. Kimberley, located in Sol Plaatje Municipality, is the capital of the province, and also the home of our head offices as a district municipality.
Frances Baard District Municipality is the smallest district in the Northern Cape; however, it accommodates the largest proportion of the population of the province.
Economic profile
Frances Baard District Municipality is the strongest economic region in the province, accounting for 36% of the provincial gross domestic product (PGDP). According to a 2007 Quantec Research report, within Frances Baard District Municipality, contribution to the regional GDP is dominated by Sol Plaatje (74%), Phokwane (15%), Dikgatlong (8%), Magareng (2%).
The economy of the district consists of the primary (agriculture and mining), secondary (manufacturing, electricity and construction) and tertiary (trade, transport, financial and social services) sectors.
Mandate
The municipality has a mandate to:
• Provide a democratic and accountable government for local municipalities
• Ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner
• Promote a safe and healthy environment
• Encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government
• The district does not account for the provision of bulk electricity and water to category B municipalities as this falls in the jurisdiction of these municipalities as concluded in the Structures Act. The district municipality has been assigned level-one and -two accreditation in terms of the housing function. Level-two accreditation status gives municipalities the responsibility to approve and manage housing construction programmes and ensure technical quality assurance.
