2 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 3

CONTENT

1. Executive Summary ...... 5 2. Brief Overview ...... 7 2.1. Historical Perspective ...... 7 2.2. Location ...... 7 2.3. Spatial Integration ...... 9 3. Social Development ...... 10 3.1. Key Demographics ...... 10 3.1.1. Population ...... 10 3.1.2. Gender, Age and Race ...... 11 3.1.3. Households ...... 12 3.2. Health Profile ...... 13 3.3. Covid-19 ...... 14 3.4. Poverty Dimensions ...... 16 3.4.1. Distribution ...... 16 3.4.2. Inequality ...... 17 3.4.3. Employment/Unemployment...... 17 3.4.4. Crime ...... 19 3.5. Education and Skills Profile ...... 20 4. Economic Drivers ...... 23 4.1. Economic Drivers ...... 23 4.2. Primary Sector ...... 23 4.3. Secondary Sector ...... 24 4.4. Tertiary Sector ...... 24 4.5. Tourism ...... 25 4.6. Informal Economy ...... 25 5. Service Delivery ...... 26 5.1. Water and Sanitation ...... 26 5.2. Human Settlements ...... 27 5.3. Electricity ...... 27 5.4. Waste Management ...... 28 5.5. Transport ...... 29 6. Governance and Management ...... 29 6.1. Municipal Performance ...... 29 6.2. Municipal Capacity ...... 30 7. Projects to Diversify and Grow the Economy ...... 31 7.1. Spatial Development ...... 31 7.2. Environmental forecast ...... 32 7.3. Social Development Projects ...... 33 7.4. Infrastructure Projects ...... 33 7.5. Economic Projects...... 33 7.5.1. Agri-Park in Springfontein ...... 34 7.5.2. Tourism Route ...... 34 8. Key Recommendations ...... 36

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PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 5

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1. Executive Summary The Xhariep District Municipality (DC 16) is a Category C municipality and is situated in the southern part of the Free State. The District is located in a semi-arid region with a dispersed settlement pattern and is known as a place of endless space, vast tracts of sheep and cattle farmland. Xhariep is a typical rural district with 20 small towns and 3 remote towns which boast abundant natural resources such as water and agricultural land.

Xhariep District Municipality is comprised of three local municipalities: Letsemeng Local Municipality, Kopanong Local Municipality and Mohokare Local Municipality. Three national roads the N1 (Gauteng to Cape Town), N6 (Eastern Cape to Bloemfontein) and N8 (Bloemfontein to Kimberley) pass through this district making accessible to other parts of the country.

The District has a population of 121 687, which is 4.2 % of the total population of the Free State Province. The annual population growth rate of 0.1%. The worst negative growth rate was in 2008, -2.2%. This changed from 2017 when the growth rate recovered at 0.0%. The District had a total number of 40 234 households with a population density of 3.3 people per square kilometers. 37.6% households are headed by women. There are 353 child-headed households and 241 (68.3%) of the child households are headed by boys.

As at 02 June 2020, 3 250 tests have been conducted in Xhariep, recording 50 confirmed cases, 1 deaths and 1 recoveries. The towns of Bethulile in Kopanong Local Municipality has recorded the most cases at 47 followed by Petrusburg, Jacobsdal and Luckhof each recording 1 confirmed case. Petrusburg, Jacobsdal and Luckhof are located in Letsemeng Local Municipality. Mangaung remains the epicentre of Covid- 19 in the Free State, followed by Xhariep District with 50 cases and Fezile Dabi with 33 confirmed cases. There are three state-owned quarantine facilities in Xhariep with 83 beds combined. The facilities have not been activated as at 29 May 2020.

The economy of Xhariep was driven by the tertiary sector with the community services sector had the highest contribution at 31.9%. The community services sector had the highest contribution at 31.9%, followed by trade at 13.5% and transport and finance both at 9.1%.

The Draft National Spatial Development Framework has identified Kopanong and Letsemeng Local Municipalities within Xhariep District Municipality, as the Arid- Innovation Region affected municipalities. The vast distances between the various PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 7

towns in the District make all communities dependent on the regional distribution roads for social as well as economic functioning. Most of these roads are however in a state of disrepair and especially the routes falling within the corridor areas will have to be upgraded and maintained.

2. Brief Overview 2.1. Historical Perspective Xhariep is named after the Gariep Dam, which is the largest dam in South Africa and is situated at the southern tip of the district. The District is located in a semi-arid region with a dispersed settlement pattern and is known as a place of endless space, vast tracts of sheep and cattle farmland. Xhariep is a typical rural district with 20 small towns and 3 remote towns which boast abundant natural resources such as water and agricultural land.

Xhariep is bordered for most of its eastern border by the Maluti and Drakensberg mountains. Hydrologically, the district is located between the Vaal River to the north and Orange River to the south, with rivers within the district draining towards these rivers.

The region is filled with impressive museums and magnificent monuments commemorating the Anglo-Boer War and also the Great Trek of 1938. The town of Bethulie in Xhariep, was formed in 1901, as a French mission station. The sandstone architecture in the region is also of significant importance to the country’s history.

2.2. Location The Xhariep District Municipality (DC 16) is a Category C municipality and is situated in the southern part of the Free State. It shares its boundaries with Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to its north, Eastern Cape to its south and Northern Cape to its west. To its east, Xhariep shares a border with Lesotho. 8 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

The municipality covers a surface area of 34 250km² and it is the largest district in the province, making up just more than a third of its geographical area. Xhariep District Municipality is comprised of three local municipalities: Letsemeng Local Municipality, Kopanong Local Municipality and Mohokare Local Municipality.

- Letsemeng Local Municipality situated on the central part of the District, and at 9 828km², Letsemeng is nearly a third of Xhariep’s geographical area. Koffiefontein is the municipal head office and its economic hub. Letsemeng is known for diamond-mining activity. The municipality includes the towns of Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein, Luckhoff, Oppermansgronde, Petrusburg. - Kopanong Local Municipality is the largest in Xhariep at 15 645km² and has natural features that include Lake Gariep, Jagersfontein Mine, the Orange River Ravine, and historical sites including the Anglo-Boer War battlefields. Bethulie, Edenburg, Fauresmith, Gariep Dam, Jagersfontein, Philippolis, Reddersburg, Springfontein, Trompsburg, Waterkloof are the towns in the municipality. - Mohokare Local Municipality is the smallest of three local municipalities at 8 776 km² and is home to the towns of Rouxville, Smithfield and Zastron. Zastron, shares a border with Lesotho, and is best known for its art rock PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 9

spattered across various farms. Mohokare boasts the impressive Maloti Mountains as a backdrop.

2.3. Spatial Integration The administrative headquarters for Xhariep are in Trompsburg, which lies 125km south of Bloemfontein. The District is home to the largest dam in South Africa, Gariep Dam, which is situated at the southern tip of the District. Three national roads the N1 (Gauteng to Cape Town), N6 (Eastern Cape to Bloemfontein) and N8 (Bloemfontein to Kimberley) pass through this District making accessible to other parts of the country.

Xhariep is a sparsely populated area with a fair concentration of households or built- up areas found in the towns of Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein and Oppermans. Springfontein and Gariep Dam have a moderate concentration and Zastron, Rouxville and Smithfield have the lowest density. The rural nature of the District (dispersed settlement patterns) has an impact on infrastructure and maintenance costs.

The vast distances between the various towns in the District make all communities dependent on the regional distribution roads for social as well as economic functioning. Most of these roads are however in a state of disrepair and especially the routes falling within the corridor areas will have to be upgraded and maintained as a matter of urgency.

THE DISTRICT IS HOME TO THE LARGEST DAM IN SOUTH AFRICA, GARIEP DAM, WHICH IS SITUATED AT THE SOUTHERN TIP OF THE DISTRICT.

Land in Xhariep is either owned by private individuals, government or the local municipalities. A large portion of the land is privately owned in the District. Xhariep is a sparsely populated area with a fair concentration of households or built-up areas found in the towns of Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein and Oppermans.

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3. Social Development 3.1. Key Demographics 3.1.1. Population With an annual population growth rate of 0.1%, the District has a population of 121 687. This is 4.2 % of the total population of the Free State Province. From 2009 – 2011, Xhariep experienced a sharp increase in the growth rate from -2.1% in 2009 to -0.9% in 2011. The worst negative growth rate was in 2008, -2.2%. This changed from 2017 when the growth rate recovered at 0.0%.

Xhariep population growth 2009-2019

In 2017, Xhariep had 4.24% of the total share of the provincial population, a declining trajectory. Kopanong Local Municipality had the largest share of the population with 40% in 2017, down from 41 % in 2008 followed by Letsemeng Local Municipality with a 32% in the same period. Mohokare’s share was 28%.

Population Share in 2008 and 2017 Source: IHS Markit, Reginal eXplorer, 2019 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 11

Significant growth rates were in Letsemeng and Mohokare with growth rates of 0.1% and 0.4% in 2016, and 0.2% and 0.4% in 2017, respectively. Unlike these two, Kopanong was unable to recover from the negative growth rate, recording a growth rate of -0.1 % in 2017.

3.1.2. Gender, Age and Race The district has a median age of 26 years. By comparing the population pyramid of the Xhariep District Municipality with the national age structure, the most significant differences are:

• There is a significant smaller share of young working age people aged 20 to 34 (25.6%) in Xhariep, compared to the national picture (28.0%). • The area seems to be a migrant sending area, with many people leaving the area to find work in the bigger cities. • Fertility in Xhariep is slightly higher compared to South Africa as a whole. • Spatial policies changed since 1994. The share of children between the ages of 0-14 years is slightly larger (29.8%) in Xhariep compared to South Africa (29.1%). Demand for expenditure on schooling as percentage of total budget within Xhariep District Municipality will therefore be higher than that of South Africa.

The population structure for Xhariep, 60 742 (49.9%) of the population are males and 60 945 (50.1%) are females. The African population had the largest group at 76%, followed by the Coloured (14%) and White (10%) population group. 44% of the population speak the Sesotho language at home, followed by Afrikaans at 38% and isiXhosa at 12%.

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Population structure, Total, 2019 DC16 Xhariep vs. National Male Female DC16 Xhariep 75+ South Africa 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 05-09 00-04

6,0% 4,0% 2,0% 0,0% 2,0% 4,0% 6,0%

Population structure for the district

3.1.3. Households The District had a total number of 40 234 households with a population density of 3.3 people per square kilometers. This is an increase from 44 768 households in 2016. 83.2% lived in formal dwellings. 10.1% of these households are in informal dwellings. 3.8% of the households live in back yard dwellings, which is slightly lower than the provincial average of 5.9%. 1% are living in a townhouse which is slightly higher than the South Africa and provincial average.

Approximately 57.8% of the households within Xhariep live in fully paid off properties or properties that are in the process of being ‘fully paid off’. About 15.6% of the households live in properties rented from private individuals and 12.6% of households are occupying rent-free dwellings. PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 13

37.6% households are headed by women. There are 353 child headed households and 241 (68.3%) of the child households are headed by boys. 16.4% of the Child- headed households are in an informal dwellings (shacks) and 71% live in a house.

3.2. Health Profile HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for the 25-64 age group. There are 80 812 people who have tested positive for HIV in the District. Interpersonal violence (18.8%) and HIV/AIDS (16.4%) are the leading causes of death in the 15-24 age group. Between 2008 and 2012, the HIV cases dropped from 13 784 to 13 229 individuals, before they started to increase again from 13 315 in 2012 to 13 777 in 2017. Like elsewhere in the province, AIDS related deaths fell from 800 in 2008 to 271 in 2017. Falling AIDS mortality can be credited to the rollout of the antiretroviral therapy, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, the distribution of condoms and medical male circumcision. Despite these attainments, the increasing trend of HIV infections remains a concern in Xhariep.

The top two leading causes of death for children below the age of 5 is diarrhoeal diseases (22.0%) and lower respiratory infections (18.8%). For the 5-14 age group, drowning (19.3%) and road injuries (12.7%) are the leading causes of death. For the elderly, cerebrovascular disease, such as strokes (17.3%) followed by ischaemic heart disease (13.3%).

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In terms of maternal conditions, indirect maternal conditions (58.8%) and hypertension (41.2%) account for the leading causes of death for women in the 15-49 age category. Teenage pregnancy stands at 7.3%, immunization rate stands at 88.2% and Maternal Mortality Ratio (per 100 000 live births) is 97.2.

In terms of health facilities, there is total of 17 primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Healthcare services in Xhariep are mainly provided by clinics and mobile clinic. There are 23 fixed clinics and 18 weekly mobile clinics offered in three municipalities.

“HIV/AIDS IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR THE 25-64 AGE GROUP”

Hospitals in Xhariep are located at the towns of Jagersfontein – Diamond Hospital, Zastron – Embekweni Hospital and Smithfield – Stoffel Coetzee District Hospital. The new Trompsburg District Hospital has been completed and will offer sections including the maternity and paediatric wards as well as emergency medical service.

3.3. Covid-19 The first case of Covid-19, case Zero, was discovered in South Africa on the 5th of March 2020, in KwaZulu-Natal. In the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State was a hotspot for Covid- 19. Mangaung remains the epicentre of Covid-19 in the Free State, followed by Xhariep District with 50 cases and Fezile Dabi with 33 confirmed cases.

As at 02 June 2020, 3 250 tests have been conducted in Xhariep, recording 50 confirmed cases, 1 deaths and 1 recoveries. The towns of Bethulile in Kopanong Local Municipality has recorded the most cases at 47 followed by Petrusburg, Jacobsdal and Luckhof each recording 1 confirmed case. Petrusburg, Jacobsdal and Luckhof are located in Letsemeng Local Municipality.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible leadership have developed a set of COVID-19 Vulnerability Indicators using available data and knowledge. It identifies vulnerabilities present in communities and identifying areas in need of targeted coordinated PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 15

interventions and early response. The purpose of the indicators is intended to support the early prevention/mitigation and preparedness phase of the disaster management cycle and informing disaster management decision making. It is not based on epidemiological modelling but a response to highlighting intervention areas due to underlying situation. The composition of the index follows two main factors, namely: transmission potential and health susceptibility.

Transmission potential areas identify areas that prevent social distancing to be practiced and where limitations of practicing good basic hygiene. The health susceptibility index denotes areas where large number of people are potential more susceptible to being adversely affected by COVID-10 due to factors such as age and underlying health conditions. The Xhariep District vulnerability profile is presented below. The map shows low vulnerability areas (blue dotted areas) versus areas with higher vulnerability (red dotted areas)

The area shows low vulenrability as it is sparsely populated but for the Jacobsdal area which shows extreme vulnerability. Areas of higher density and economic activity also show vulnerability these include Zastron, Rouxville, Edenburg and Bethulie and 16 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Jagersfontein. Area specific live GIS vunerability maps are available curtosy of CSIR at: https://pta-gis-2-web1.csir.co.za/portal2/apps/opsdashboard/#/390a74fb10844c7a85396e60555a866d

There are three state-owned quarantine facilities in Xhariep with 83 beds combined. The facilities have not been activated as at 29 May 2020.

Table 1: List of quarantine sites in the district TOWN POTENTIAL SITE/ BUILDING STATE-OWNED NO OF BEDS ACTIVATED NAME OR PRIVATE AVAILABLE SITE Trompsburg Trompsburg Hospital/Albert State-Owned 17 Pending Nzula Hospital Buthini Tussen die Reviere NR and State-Owned 27 Pending Resort Gariep Dam Nature Gariep Dam, A forever Resort State-Owned 39 Pending Reserve

3.4. Poverty Dimensions 3.4.1. Distribution Using the lower poverty line, there are 41.9% of the population whom are living in poverty. This is lower than the Free State which is at 44%. Mangaung Metro recorded the lowest at 36.6% followed Xhariep (41.9%), Fezile Dabi District Municipality (43.0%), Lejweleputswa District Municipality (45.9%) and Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality (52.1%).

Lower poverty line stats for the Free State Province, 2018 Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1750

In terms of the percentage of people living in poverty in the province, 59% were in Xhariep. Mohokare Local Municipality had the highest poverty rate at (47.1%) followed by Letsemeng (43.5%) and Kopanong (36.8%).

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3.4.2. Inequality The Human Development Index (HDI) measures life expectancy at birth, education using average years of schooling and gross national income per capita. HDI varies between zero and one, with zero being the lowest level of development and one the highest level. The HDI of Xhariep is 0.59. The highest levels of index was in Kopanong, which rose from 0.50 index in 2008 to 0.61 in 2017. Mohokare and Letsemeng have registered an index of 0.47 in 2008 and 0.59, and 0.58 index, respectively.

The gini-coefficient is a summary statistic of income inequality. If the gini-coefficient is equal to zero, income distribution denotes equal income distribution. Meaning, there is no variance between the high and low-income earners within the population. If the gini-coefficient equals one, income is completely inequitable.

In terms of the gini-coefficient for each of the district municipalities in the Free State, Mangaung had the highest gini-coefficient, with an index value of 0.62. Xhariep had the lowest index of 0.59, but it had unequal income distribution.

According to Census 2011, the average annual household income is R29 400, with 11% having no income. In 2017, it was estimated that 14.47% of all the households in the Xhariep District Municipality, were living on R30 000 or less per annum. In comparison with 2007's 41.85%, the number is more than half.

Annual household income for the district

In relation to household goods, 83% of households have access to a cell phone and 81% to a television. Only about 23% of households have access to a car. 15% of the households had access to a computer.

3.4.3. Employment/Unemployment The working age population in Xhariep in 2019 was 76 339, decreasing at an average annual rate of -0.56% since 2009. For the same period the working age population for 18 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Free State province increased at 0.39% annually, while that of South Africa increased at 1.62% annually.

The figure below combines all the facets of the labour force in the Xhariep District Municipality into one compact view. The chart is divided into "place of residence" on the left, which is measured from the population side, and "place of work" on the right, which is measured from the business side.

FORMAL JOBS MAKE UP 46.8% OF ALL JOBS IN THE XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY.

Labour glimpse for the district

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Reading the chart from the left-most bar, breaking down the total population of the Xhariep District Municipality (121 689) into working age and non-working age, the number of people that are of working age is about 76 339 (15-64 age groups). Out of the working age group, 61.8% are participating in the labour force, 47 200 residents of the District Municipality forms currently part of the economically active population (EAP). Comparing this with the non-economically active population (NEAP) of the District Municipality: fulltime students at tertiary institutions, disabled people, and those choosing not to work, sum to 29 100 people. Out of the economically active population, there are 16 700 that are unemployed, or when expressed as a percentage, an unemployment rate of 35.3%.

Formal jobs make up 46.8% of all jobs in the Xhariep District Municipality. In Xhariep, the economic sectors that has the largest number of employees is the mining sector at 24.8%. The community service sector with 15.2% employs the second highest number of people relative to the rest of the sectors. The electricity sector with (0.4%) is the sector that employs the least number of people in Xhariep, followed by the transport sector with (2.1%) people employed.

The number of people employed by the informal sector is 8 508. In the informal sector, the trade sector employs the highest number of people at 3 672 (43.1%) and the manufacturing sector employs the least at 456 (5.3%).

In 2019, there were a total number of 16 700 people unemployed in Xhariep, which is an increase of 5 660 from 11 000 in 2009. The total number of unemployed people within Xhariep constitutes 4.04% of the total number of unemployed people in Free State Province. The Xhariep District Municipality experienced an average annual increase of 4.23% in the number of unemployed people, which is worse than that of the Free State Province which had an average annual increase in unemployment of 4.23%.

3.4.4. Crime Xhariep has 19 police stations servicing the community in the District. Serious crimes reported by the community were the most prevalent in Xhariep, with the number rising from 3 439 in 2017/2018 to 3 654 the next financial year. The nature of many of these crimes involved arson at 10, malicious damage to property 181, burglary at non- residential premises 284, burglary at residential premises 561, theft of motor vehicle or motorcycle 32, theft out of or from motor vehicle 58 and stock theft 580.

There were 1 515 property related crimes, 24 cases of shoplifting, 397 incidents of all theft not mentioned elsewhere and commercial crimes instances were 104. This made 20 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY the category of other serious crimes to be 525, an increase of 8.2% for the 2018/19 financial year.

While robbery at residential premises decreased by -15.8%, robbery at non-residential premises increased by 8.1%. TRIO crimes increased by 7%, and no incidents of truck jacking, bank robber and robbery of cash-in-transit were reported.

Cases of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs were 93 and 11 sexual offences were reported in Xhariep District Municipality.

“WHILE ROBBERY AT RESIDENTIAL PREMISES DECREASED BY -15.8%, ROBBERY AT NON-RESIDENTIAL PREMISES INCREASED BY 8.1%”

3.5. Education and Skills Profile Education in the district remains a challenge. In Xhariep District Municipality of the population aged 20 years and older, 11.4% (7 688) of the population are without any education. In total, the number of people with ‘matric only’ was at 17 357 (25.76%) which is a share of 3.20% of the province's total number of people that has obtained a matric. The number of people with 'matric and a certificate/diploma' (2 341) is at 3.47%, while the number of people with a 'matric and a Bachelor's' degree (2 313) is at 3.43%. Only 1.01% of the population have a postgraduate qualification. PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 21

Education levels in the district Source: Community Survey 2016

The Education Management Information System (EMIS) reflects that there are 32 171 learners and a total of 1175 educators. There are 70 public schools in Xhariep with no private/independent schools.

The Xhariep District was the only District in the province without a college of its own. The Motheo Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College has a satellite campus in Zastron, Mohokare Local Municipality. The main campus for Motheo TVET College is in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

The Zastron Satellite campus offers N4 - N6 Programmes in Business Management, Human Resources Management, Marketing Management and Educare.

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4. Economic Drivers 4.1. Economic Drivers The Xhariep District Municipality had a total GDP of R 7.86 billion and in terms of total contribution towards Free State Province the Xhariep District Municipality ranked lowest relative to all the regional economies to total Free State Province GDP. This ranking in terms of size compared to other regions of Xhariep remained the same since 2007.

In terms of the GDP share, it was larger in 2017 at 3.4% compared to 3.2% in 2007. For the period 2007 to 2017, the average annual growth rate of 2.2% of Xhariep was the second relative to its peers in terms of growth in constant 2010 prices.

The District is very rural, poorly resourced and naturally very dry to sustain intensive agriculture. The economy of Xhariep was driven by the tertiary sector with the community services sector had the highest contribution at 31.9%.

4.2. Primary Sector Agriculture contributed 15.1% in 2019. The agricultural sector’s share of the District dropped from 18.1% in 2008 to 16.4% in 2017. The District comprises of extensive agriculture at 74 %, that is used for livestock farming, especially sheep and cattle to produce wool and meat. Intensive agriculture in the Xhariep District makes up 21% of the main land uses. Agriculture and livestock farming is spread throughout the District. Game, sheep and ostrich farming dominates the agricultural landscape. Trompsburg has the second-biggest sheep-shearing barn in the country and grapes are produced in Jacobsdal.

- Letsemeng Local Municipality has a high to moderate potential for vegetables including garlic, squash pumkin, watermelon, wheat, canola, potato and spanspek. - Kopanong Local Municipality has no high potential crops while, wheat, canola, and potatoes, pears ,almonds, pecan nut as the moderate potential crops. In the municipality, the basic agricultural products are exported from the area for processing and re-imported into the area as consumer products. - Mohokare Local Municipality has a high potential for Forage sorghums and a moderate potential for sunflower, grain sorghum, wheat and vegetables such as garlic.

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Agricultural sector has the most potential to create linkages with the local economy and value chains.

Mining has traditionally been one of the economic backbones of Xhariep District Municipality (11.3% GVA contribution). However, its significance to the district economy has been declining with its share in the district fell from 15.5% in 2008.

The diamond industry is large in the District with Jagersfontein Mine producing some of the world’s largest diamonds. Other minerals in the district include titanium, iron and potash. The mining sector has a potential for value chain enhancement, particularly small scale mining, including artisanal mining.

“MINING HAS A GVA CONTRIBUTION 11.3%, AND THE DIAMOND INDUSTRY IS LARGE IN THE DISTRICT WITH JAGERSFONTEIN MINE PRODUCING SOME OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST DIAMONDS”

4.3. Secondary Sector The Local Economic Development Strategy for the District, notes that there is a potential to expand existing industries and developing new niche industries which will benefit the manufacturing sector but also promote local exports. The District has different industries, producing various products including shoes at a shoe manufacturing factory, and game meat industry such as biltong hunting throughout the District. There is also water harvesting by Water Affairs to generate hydroelectricity.

The Xhariep region has the second best solar-radiation index after Upington in the Northern Cape. This presents the opportunity for the establishment of the solar park.

The National Development Plan schema for spatial targeting identifies Xhariep as a green economic zone with solar power potential.

4.4. Tertiary Sector The economy of Xhariep was driven by the tertiary sector. The community services sector had the highest contribution at 31.9%, followed by trade at 13.5% and transport and finance both at 9.1%. PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 25

The community sector, which includes the government services, is generally a large contributor towards GVA in smaller and more rural local municipalities. When looking at the Local Municipalities in the District Municipality, Kopanong Local Municipality Kopanong Local Municipality contributed R 3.02 billion (42.12%) to the GVA of the Xhariep District Municipality, making it the largest contributor to the overall GVA of the District.

In terms of transport, the transport infrastructure in Xhariep includes roads, rail and small airfields. Some of the national routes pass through are the N1 (Johannesburg and Cape Town via Trompsburg) and the N6 (Gauteng and the Eastern Cape via Aliwal North) and serves as important corridors and gives the district a competitive advantage. The Local Economic Development Strategy notes there is a potential to strengthen the transport linkages.

4.5. Tourism The tourism sector has a potential in Xhariep District Municipality given its natural and historical features. Tourism’s contribution to GDP of Xhariep rose from 12.6% to 15.5% between 2008 and 2017, an indication of the importance of the sector in the economy of Xhariep. The biggest contributor was Kopanong Local Municipality with 24.1% in 2017. Not surprisingly, this is where the Gariep Dam is located. Letsemeng Local Municipality was the lowest contributor at 7.1% in 2017.

The largest proportion of tourists in Xhariep were those visiting friends and relatives at 65 418 in 2017. Leisure or holiday tourists’ number soared from 29 160 in 2008 to 45 101 in 2017. As for individuals visiting for business purpose, they increased from 12 559 in 2008 to 20 937 in 2017.

There are opportunities for the development of the Big Hole as a tourist attraction area in Jaggersfontein Mine. Other opportunities include the expansion of leisure and water sports tourism in the Gariep Dam and Tussen die Riviere and Mynhardt game reserves. The development of an airstrip for small charter flights between Gariep Dam and Bloemfontein would also enhance tourism potential in the District Municipality.

4.6. Informal Economy Within the District the informal sector provides work for approximately 8 508 people. The significance of the informal sector within the regional and local economy should never be under estimated. In terms of the informal sector Kopanong and Letsemeng 26 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Local Municipalities provide for the most employment. Mohokare is almost on the same value.

5. Service Delivery 5.1. Water and Sanitation The 2016 Community Survey, reveals that 92.7% of households were reported to have access to safe drinking water. 85.7% were getting water from a regional or local service provider.

Household access to water

By 2018, Xhariep District Municipality had a total number of 16 932 (42,1%) households with piped water inside the dwelling, a total of 20 615 (51.2%) households had piped water inside the yard and a total number of 534 (0.01%) households had no formal piped water.

The municipality within Xhariep District Municipality with the highest number of households with piped water inside the dwelling is Kopanong Local Municipality with 6 940 (41.01%) of the households. The region with the lowest number of households with piped water inside the dwelling is Mohokare Local Municipality with a total of 3 790 (22.40%) of the total households.

In terms of sanitation, by 2018 Xhariep District Municipality had a total number of 33 457 flush toilets (83.1% of total households), 1 758 Ventilation Improved Pit (VIP) (0.04% of total households) and 1 209 (0.03%) of total households’ pit toilets. The municipality within Xhariep with the highest number of flush toilets is Kopanong Local Municipality with 14 300 (42.65%) of the flush toilets within Xhariep. The municipality with the lowest number of flush toilets is Mohokare Local Municipality with a total of 9 180 (27.43%) of the total flush toilets within Xhariep District Municipality. PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 27

5.2. Human Settlements With 44 768 households, 83% reside in a house, 10% in an informal dwelling (shack), 4% in a flat in a backyard and only 1% in a townhouse.

Kopanong Local Municipality had the highest number of very formal dwelling units with 5 360 (39.04%) of the total very formal dwelling units within Xhariep District Municipality. the region with the lowest number of very formal dwelling units is the Mohokare Local Municipality with a total of 3 030 (22.08%) of the total very formal dwelling units within Xhariep District Municipality.

The shortage of lower income housing has been identified as a spatial issues identified in Mohokare Local Municipality.

5.3. Electricity In 2016 all the municipalities in the district achieved access to electricity of above 93.3%. By 2018, Xhariep District Municipality had a total number of 1 649 (4%) households with electricity for lighting only, a total of 35 568 (91%) households had electricity for lighting and other purposes and a total number of 1 891 (5%) households did not use electricity.

The municipality in Xhariep with the highest number of households with electricity for lighting and other purposes is Kopanong Local Municipality at 14 700 (41.35%). The 28 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY municipality with the lowest number of households with electricity for lighting and other purposes is Mohokare Local Municipality with a total of 9 380 (26.38%).

When looking at the number of households with no electrical connection over time, it can be seen that in 2008 the households without an electrical connection in Xhariep District Municipality was 3 760, this decreased annually at -6.64% per annum to 1 890 in 2018.

5.4. Waste Management In 2016, 30 321 households had access to weekly refuse removal.

Household access to waste management

In 2018, Xhariep District Municipality had a total number of 28 093 (71.8%) households which had their refuse removed weekly by the authority, a total of 1 173 (0.3%) households had their refuse removed less often than weekly by the authority and a total number of 6 863 (17.5%) households which had to remove their refuse personally (own dump).

The municipality within Xhariep with the highest number of households where the refuse is removed weekly by the authority is Kopanong Local Municipality with 12 300 (43.85%) of the households where the refuse is removed weekly by the authority. The region with the lowest number of households where the refuse is removed weekly by the authority is Mohokare Local Municipality with a total of 7 750 (27.59%) households where the refuse is removed weekly by the authority within the District Municipality.

When looking at the number of households with no formal refuse removal, it can be seen that in 2008 the households with no formal refuse removal was 9 680, this increased annually at 0.16% per annum to 9 840 in 2018. PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 29

5.5. Transport The three national roads (N1, N6, and N8), provides Xhariep district municipality with a high connectivity to other Free State districts, and provinces within South Africa. The national roads are upgraded and maintained by SANRAL.

Xhariep District also has an airfield located at Gariep Dam town and is regarded as one of the best small airfields in the country. Currently, the airfield mostly handles occasional Ecotourism traffic and is an ideal refuelling point.

The District has established railway connections which include the inter-provincial rail freight arterial line. The main line from Springfontein to Bloemfontein via Trompsburg and Edenburg is another major rail freight arterial line servicing the District.

The border posts with the Kingdom of Lesotho are an important part of the infrastructure available in Xhariep. There are border points at Zastron (Makhaleng Bridge) and Sepapu’s Gate. The border post infrastructure contribute to a potential corridor linkage of people and goods between Xhariep and Lesotho.

“BORDER POSTS WITH THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE AVAILABLE IN XHARIEP”

6. Governance and Management 6.1 Municipal Performance • For three consecutive years, the Xhariep received unqualified audit outcomes. The trend has remained unchanged. There was some improvements in Letsemeng Local Municipality, which moved from a disclaimer in the 2016/2017 financial year to a qualified audit opinion the following year.

Generally, all three municipalities have received either unqualified or disclaimed throughout the three-year period, signalling poor management of funds.

Auditee Audit Movement Outcomes 30 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 Xhariep Unqualified Unqualified Unqualified Unchanged Letsemeng Qualified audit Disclaimer of an Qualified Improvement audit audit Kopanong Unqualified Qualified audit Qualified audit Mohokare Unqualified Disclaimer Qualified Unchanged audit

Audit Outcomes 2015-2017 Source: Department of Cooperative Governance, Free State, 2019

The Auditor-General stated concerns since the sustainability of the improved audit outcome is questionable as no progress has been made in addressing the findings of the previous year in the key risk areas, except in the area relating to performance reporting.

The financial statements submitted were of poor quality and material corrections were made based on misstatements identified, which resulted in the improved audit outcomes.

6.2. Municipal Capacity The existence of an efficient, effective and accountable local government in predicated on institutional stability indicative of a capable and developmental state. This included the filling of vacant positions with qualified individuals to set in motion quality service delivery provision. In the period between July 2018 and June 2019, all municipalities in the District reported to the Department of Cooperative Governance that the positions of municipal managers were filled.

Xhariep Number of times reported Number of times Number of times on MM positions indicated MM filled indicated MM vacant Kopanong 6 6 0 Letsemeng 6 6 0 Mohokare 12 12 0 Xhariep 7 7 0 Total 31 31 0 District Municipal capacity Source: Xhariep Performance Report, 2018/2019

In the same period between July 2018 and June 2019, the report was slightly different regarding the filling of the positions of the CFOs in some municipalities in Xhariep.

As for the section 56 management layer positions that report directly to the Municipal Managers, there were also variations in municipalities in the Xhariep District Municipality. PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 31

Xhariep Number of times reported Number of times Section % of Section 56 on Section 56 positions 56 positions filled positions filled Kopanong 6 24 12 Letsemeng 6 16 100 Mohokare 12 48 14 Xhariep 7 26 20 Total 31 114 62 District Management Positions Status Source: Xhariep Performance Report, 2018/2019

Letsemeng Local Municipality reported 100% occupancy rate and Xhariep District Municipalities indicated 62% during the July 2018 and June 2019 reporting period. Refer to the table below.

Xhariep Number of times reported Number of times Number of times on CFO position CFO filled indicated CFO vacant Kopanong 6 2 3 Letsemeng 6 6 0 Mohokare 12 6 6 Xhariep 7 0 7 Total 31 13 21 District CFO position status Source: Xhariep Performance Report, 2018/2019

Reports reveal that Xhariep District Municipality stated that in the seven months period from July 2018 to June 2019 that it reported, the position of a CFO was vacant. In the twelve reporting times that Mohokare reported, it specified that a period of six months, the position of the CFOs was vacant in the Local Municipality.

“THE EXISTENCE OF AN EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN PREDICATED ON INSTITUTIONAL STABILITY INDICATIVE OF A CAPABLE AND DEVELOPMENTAL STATE”

7. Projects to Diversify and Grow the Economy 7.1. Spatial Development According to the, Draft National Spatial Development Framework, the Arid-Innovation comprises the arid and sparsely populated western and southwestern central parts of the country and is set to be significantly affected by future climate change trends. 32 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Due to current challenges and increasing climatic pressures, this region requires a range of targeted interventions to ensure the future well-being of its inhabitants, the health of its economy and the sustainable use of its natural resources.

Source: Draft National Spatial Development Framework

It is also important to harness the nationally significant opportunities of this region, including its niche agricultural activities and fisheries, mineral deposits, potential for alternative energy generation and contribution to the international scientific community through SKA.

7.2. Environmental forecast Xhariep is bordered for most of its eastern border by the Maluti and Drakensberg mountains. Hydrologically, the district is located between the Vaal River to the north and Orange River to the south, with rivers within the district draining towards these rivers.

Altitudes in the district vary from 2 060 meter above mean sea level (mamsl) at Bakenkop in the north-eastern quadrant to 1 100 mamsl in west. The morphology of the area encompassing Koffiefontein and Petrusburg can broadly be described as PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 33

plains with medium relief. There is also large portion of agricultural land that is suitable for livestock production. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform have acquired many farms for livestock.

7.3. Social Development Projects Project Project Type Sector Project Estimated Financial Year Local Total Actual Name (Description) Status number of Municip Proje Expen beneficiari Start Finish ality ct diture es of the Date Date Cost 2019/2 project 0 Free State Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) Gariep Construction of Infrastruc Planning 30 04/01/20 31/03/202 Gariep 5498 0 Nature swimming pools, ture phase 18 0 Reserve children’s play and day visitors areas, and a hall Gariep Upgrade of Infrastruc Planning 20 04/01/20 31/03/201 Gariep 1500 0 Nature chalets and ture phase 18 9 Reserve caravan park Staff Upgrade and Infrastruc Planning 20 04/01/20 31/03/202 All 21227 0 housing construction of ture phase 18 0 districts all staff housing Resorts and Reserves

7.4. Infrastructure Projects The main source of water in Kopanong Local Municipality are the Bloemwater pipelines that also service most of the towns except Jagersfontein and Fauresmith, which get water from the mineshafts in Jagersfontein. Water from the mineshafts is of poor quality and needs to be purified.

The pipeline between Fauresmith and Jagersfontein is also very old and leakages occur regularly. Reddersburg and Edenburg also access water from the Bloemwater pipelines, supplemented with boreholes during dry seasons. The water pumps at these two towns are in poor condition. Bethulie’s pump station is too small and its capacity will need to be increased.

7.5. Economic Projects Large portions of Xhariep are classified as Ecological Support Areas followed by critical biodiversity areas and protected areas. Any development in these areas should take cognizance of the biodiversity pockets. Xhariep is mainly agricultural. Based on the Free State Landcover (2009) data, 45 223 hectares of land was irrigated.

34 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Agro-processing and tourism are reflected in the municipal Local Economic Development strategy as being amongst the key performance areas.

7.5.1. Agri-Park in Springfontein The Integrated Development Plan notes that there is also a trend to re-invigorate agriculture through investments in processing and development of value chains which also includes agri-parks. An increasingly important element of economic development strategy for many rural communities is creating new value from the appeal of landscapes, rural environments and local cultural heritage.

Xhariep District Municipality has identified the Agri-Park in Springfontein, as a catalyst project for district agricultural development. The planned agri-park in Springfontein is likely to trigger activities in diverse agricultural production and distribution value chains. Commodities considered for development within the Xhariep District Municipality Agri-Park include those of:

1. Ostrich;

2. Pecan and Walnuts; and

3. Potatoes

A number of projects are already established for these commodities, both commercially and also as government projects. As such, it provides for an ideal situation for further diversification and development.

Xhariep has been identified as a fish farming hub. Implementation of 39 fish tanks at the Xhariep Fish Hatchery for the production of fingerlings in the three towns of Springfontein, Koffiefontein and Bethulie are in progress (13 fish tanks per ton).

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2012 estimated that the Free State contained approximately 3% of all the aquafarms in the country. Fish processing take place in Mohokare – Zastron area. The Farmer Production Support Unit is in the vicinity of the Fish Processing plant. Fish production is around the Gariep Dam.

7.5.2. Tourism Route The three national roads (N1, N6, and N8), the exquisite natural beauty position Xhariep district municipality as an ideal tourism attraction. The Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) highlighted three prominent tourism routes including, PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 35

• The "Diamond and Wine" tourist route which goes past the diamond mines of Jagersfontein and Koffiefontein, and stops at the Landzicht Wine Cellars for a taste of superb wine. Many use Xhariep simply as a stopover to refresh and break a long journey. • The Xhariep Dam Route which includes the towns of Smithfield, Bethulie and Xhariep dam • The Maluti route which originates in the north and includes the towns of Wepener, Van Stadensrus, Zastron and Rouxville, and • The deep open mines at Jagersfontein and Koffiefontein and the "Mining Village" at Jagersfontein which are big attractions among tourists.

Smaller segments of the Tourism sector are evident in localised accommodation establishments, holiday farms and game farms. The climate and physical characteristics of the Xhariep makes it suitable for game farming. Game farms were identified in Petrusburg, Luckhoff, Phillipolis and Bethulile

36 PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

8. Key Recommendations • Xhariep District Municipality is less diversified in terms of its economic activity spread. A diverse economy is more likely it is to create employment opportunities across all skill levels.

• In an attempt to pursue economic growth and alleviate of unemployment there needs to be industries that are growing fast and create jobs in particular the lower skilled categories. Unfortunately, in practice many industries that are growing fast are not those that create many employment opportunities for unskilled labourers (and alleviate unemployment).

• The issues raised by the Auditor-General require urgent attention to ensure effective financial management. The Auditor-General stated concerns since the sustainability of the improved audit outcome is questionable as no progress has been made in addressing the findings of the previous year in the key risk areas, except in the area relating to performance reporting.

• The existing and potential agricultural landscapes should be consolidated and protected; and sustainable agricultural development and food security should be facilitated. The ecosystems must be stabilised and managed to restore their ecological functionality.

• Xhariep experiences rural out-migration, loss of skills, and absence of clear-cut investment opportunities. Strengthen rural to rural linkages through the support of rural development, innovation and enterprise development. Infrastructure investment and access to services is critical for the realisation of this.

PROFILE: XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 37