Camdeboo Municipality
Camdeboo Municipality (EC101), which incorporates the towns of Graaff-Reinet, Aberdeen and Nieu-Bethesda, is strategically situated as a portal to the mystical Karoo in an area renowned for its pristine natural environment, rich heritage, diverse peoples and cultures. The area (12,422 km² in extent) boasts a number of popular tourist attractions, beautiful landscapes and a healthy climate. The town of Graaff-Reinet, 4th oldest in South-Africa and referred to as the “Gem of the Karoo”, is a hub of agri-tourism activity; it is the seat of the Municipal Council and is also the centre where the largest concentration of the population lives and works. Each of the 3 towns has its own unique dynamics and attractions that draw visitors from far and wide, some of whom have made this their home. Well-known personalities that have carved a niche in our country’s history and are closely associated with the Camdeboo, include the likes of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, Dr Anton Rupert, Beyers Naudé, Rev. Andrew Murray, Prof James Kitching, Athol Fugard, Anna Neethling Pohl, DF Malan, Helen Martins, Andries Pretorius…
Key features include :
Distances (rounded off) between Graaff-Reinet and surrounding towns / key destinations :
Key features include :
- Agriculture : wool, mohair, ostrich, poultry, redmeat production (beef, sheep, goat), crops;
- Tourism : museums (e.g. Reinet House, Owl House), natural and cultural heritage, the Valley of Desolation, Camdeboo National Park;
- Commerce & Industry : established business (large and small), formal & informal sectors;
- Infrastructure & Services : good infrastructure, basic services (water, electricity & sanitation)available to all with free basic services and subsidized support to the Indigent;
- Schools, colleges and other educational centres;
- Primary health care clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities;
- Public amenities : libraries, sport & recreational facilities, banks and post offices.
Distances (rounded off) between Graaff-Reinet and surrounding towns / key destinations :
Being situated in an arid area within the Cacadu District, Camdeboo faces many challenges, the biggest of which is water. Aberdeen and Nieu-Bethesda are in the fortunate position of having perennial springs that supply adequate and good quality water, which is used for both domestic consumption and irrigation. Graaff-Reinet gets its supply from the Nqweba Dam; when dry, the town is dependent on borehole water ~ an unreliable source as the water table drops drastically when the rain stays away... The lack of a sustainable and permanent water supply is probably the most inhibiting factor in the area’s economic development, as it restricts both agricultural and industrial activities.
In accordance with the Municipal Structures Act 117/1998, Camdeboo has been classified as a Category B Municipality; a plenary executive system combined with a Ward participatory system. A plenary executive system limits the exercise of executive authority to the Municipal Council itself and a Ward participatory system allows for matters of local concern to be dealt with by Ward Committees. Camdeboo does not qualify for an Executive Mayor and currently all but one of the 14 Councillors serve in their part-time capacity. Only the Mayor has been allocated full-time status. There are 7 Ward Councillors and 7 Proportional Representatives.
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