About the Drakenstein Municipality

29 September 2024
PIET MARAIS, Editor GSTBlog - Located an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is not only the country’s top-rated secondary city for good governance, but also boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands. Spanning 1 538 km², it includes the historic Winelands towns of Paarl and Wellington as well as 2 380 farms and it is home to 305 281 residents.

Awarded one of South Africa’s most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities, Drakenstein Municipality has since 2011 achieved 16 consecutive unqualified audit opinions from the Auditor-General of South Africa, of which nine were clean audits.

Embodying its vision of "a city of excellence", the Municipality prides itself on providing its residents, businesses, investors and visitors with excellent services and well-maintained, advanced infrastructure. It has a proud record of consistently delivering clean potable water and stable electricity services. The Municipality is one of only 22 wastewater systems out of 850 in South Africa to be awarded Green Drop status.

Drakenstein, recognised for having one of the highest growth potentials in the province, is perfectly situated for investment, development, and business expansion. The Municipality has been investing substantially in infrastructure to make new business happen. Today it is a thriving manufacturing hub with a well-developed road network and a skilled workforce. As a progressive business and investment region and a city geared for growth, it constantly attracts new development. As South Africa’s first self-declared Fair Trade City, Drakenstein Municipality is serious about building a sustainable future, and has garnered recognition and various awards for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.

Finally, Drakenstein guarantees a quality lifestyle and an attractive, authentic tourism offering - from its beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural and architectural heritage, top achiever schools, esteemed lifestyle estates, pristine golf courses, and assortment of cycling, running, and hiking trails, to its acclaimed wines and inspired farm-to-table cuisine, and friendly, welcoming people.

Picture below: Ms. Cheryl Phillips is the Senior Manager for Economic Growth and Tourism at Drakenstein Municipality