Capricorn District Municipality

Capricorn District Municipality is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the country.

Vision
The home of excellence and opportunities for a better life.

Mission
To provide quality services, in a cost-effective and efficient manner, through competent people, partnerships, information and knowledge management, creating sustained economic development in the interests of all stakeholders.

Overview
Situated centrally in Limpopo Province, Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) is the economic hub and includes the capital, Polokwane. Nearly 44% of the CDM’s population lives in Polokwane. The district is well served by various major provincial roads as well
as the N1 national road which links Gauteng to Zimbabwe and the rest of South Africa. Polokwane International is the only commercial airport in the region, serving both passenger and freight needs. Numerous private airstrips also exist and these are used mainly for tourism and private purposes.

The most important sources of income in CDM is the tourism industry and the informal sector (household spazas and hawking). More than 70% of households in Aganang, Blouberg and Molemole live below the breadline. Despite the relative poverty and the levels of unemployment, the CDM is one of the highest contributors to the provincial
gross domestic product and has reasonable infrastructure that can build a solid foundation for economic development and growth. Community service (mostly government) is the largest sector. This is followed by trade and retail activity. Agriculture has shown the fastest growth, possibly due to emerging farmers and a large export market and in spite of the semi-arid climate. Potatoes are the most important agricultural product, followed by tomatoes, eggs, broilers and beef, and then pork and citrus production. Within the manufacturing sector, there are high vacancy rates in industrial parks, and therefore potential for growth.

There are investment opportunities in tourism, agriculture, mining and manufacturing. A total of 12 growth points have been identified in the district; most of them in the Blouberg, Polokwane and Molemole local municipalities.

CDM has unique natural assets and is already a local and international tourist destination. Tourist attractions include several government-owned reserves such as Blouberg, Moletsi, Bakone Malapa and Machaka. There are registered natural heritage sites at Brackenhill and Goedehoop. About 400 Stone- and Iron-Age sites are located in the Makgabeng Mountains, some of them boasting rock art. The Wolkberg Wilderness is a pristine area, and the largest wilderness area readily available to the South African public.

Key development objectives and strategies
Water and sanitation

  • Provide clean, affordable, potable water to Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) standards
  • Increase access to free, basic water services-supply reticulation of the existing bulk-water supply
  • Extend bulk-water supply, improve cost recovery, continually develop WSDP and conduct ground-water studies
  • Provide RDP-level sanitation-supply VIP toilets in the rural areas and implement training programmes for proper construction of VIP toilets Planning
  • Focus economic development in four growth areas: Mankweng, Morebeng, Lebowakgomo and Mogwadi
  • Develop and manage the Geographic Information Systems and use of aerial photography to develop land-use schemes Transport
  • Improve access to pubic transport and coordinate an efficient, affordable public transport system
  • Promote public transport development, identify routes not catered for by public transport
  • Increase access to subsidised commuter transport Local Economic Development
  • Increase job creation in the district, provide skills-development campaigns for entrepreneurs and facilitate creation of jobs
  • Create an environment to stimulate economic growth and development
  • Focus on economic development activities and forge partnerships with national and provincial government and the private sectors
  • Create and promote local economic development initiatives in the SMME sector
  • Focus on economic development activities, coordinate availability of land and develop entrepreneurial skills
  • Support and promote major economic sectors (agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, construction and trade)
  • Support implementation of projects and promote partnerships with existing and emerging business sectors
  • Promote Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment within the district
  • Ensure procurement of local and PDI products
  • Encourage service providers to procure 50% of their materials within the district
  • Conduct awareness campaigns and workshops

Tourism

  • Promote the district as a tourist destination and facilitate coordination of 2010
  • Ensure access to information and market opportunities, trade promotion and investment attraction

    • 2010 FIFA World Cup™
    As part of our preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, roads have been upgraded and preparations are under way. Polokwane is being assisted to stage a world-class football showpiece and make people shine with a sense of purpose and pride. In harnessing the energy and enthusiasm around the World Cup, we have ensured that we will develop an improved social and natural environment. New and upgraded infrastructure and facilities will make the CDM a more desirable destination for travellers and investors, with additional economic opportunities and improved service delivery for residents.

    We pride ourselves in nurturing fine human capital as we take to heart the principles of Batho Pele and create a model of innovation, teamwork and service delivery that boasts the most coherent and success-oriented workforce. Our dedication to the success of Capricorn District Municipality reaffirms our motto when we say `Re Soma Le Setshaba`.

    Contact details
    Key contact people
    • Motalane Monakedi, Executive Mayor
    • Meriam Molala, Municipal Manager
    Tel: +27 15 294 1000
    Antifraud Line: 0800 205 053
    Fax: +27 15 291 4297
    Email: communications@cdm.org.za
    Physical address: 41 Biccard Street, Polokwane 0699
    Postal address: PO Box 4100, Polokwane 0700
    Website: www.cdm.gov.za

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