West Coast District Municipality

The West Coast District Municipality, which comprises five local municipalities, has a proud heritage of municipal service.

Located north of the City of Cape Town and nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Cederberg mountain ranges, the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM) comprises the Swartland, Bergrivier, Matzikama, Cederberg and Saldanha Bay municipalities. Historically an agricultural and fishing region, WCDM boasts one of the safest deep-water ports in the southern hemisphere at Saldanha Bay and its wind-swept landscapes contribute to the unique character of the population of 341 544. The West Coast District has a proud heritage of municipal service and has been recognised in a number of award categories over the past few years.

The West Coast has consistently outperformed the Western Cape in terms of growth in production over the short- and long-term, while maintaining a lower than average unemployment rate.

Key growth sectors
Agriculture
Crops include wheat, canola, rooibos tea, fruit, grapes, wine and export-ready vegetables. Animal products contribute 45.3% of the agricultural income and include poultry, beef, mutton, pork, fresh milk and dairy products.

Fishing
The fishing industry includes deep-sea fishing, line fishing, lobsters, mariculture and a growing aquaculture sector. Expansion into value-added processing, new mariculture and aquaculture activities offer the highest growth potential for the region.

Manufacturing
Manufacturing contributes 37% of the regional GGP and includes agro-processing, fish and marine resource processing and mineral processing. There is potential for growth in the food processing, non-metallic mineral products, iron, basic steel and nonferrous metal industries.

Mining
Resources include limestone, diamonds, kaolin and phosphate. There is an evolved mineral processing, transport sector and major ore terminal at the Port of Saldanha.

Tourism
The unique cultural experience on offer on this beautiful South African coastline makes tourism one of the burgeoning sectors of the future.

Alternative energy
The changing global economic and environmental landscape favours the growth of the alternative energy sector. The vast, open, windswept and sun-drenched landscape of the West Coast is well suited for wind farms and solar-powered infrastructure investment.

The deep-water port, excellent infrastructure and its proximity to the oil and gas along the west coast of Africa makes the port at Saldanha Bay a crucial role player in the burgeoning oil and gas industry and presents a growth opportunity for the region.
For more information visit
www.westcoastdm.co.za

Bergrivier Municipality
Bergrivier Municipality is situated just north of Saldanha Bay. Agriculture is the biggest sector and employer in the municipality. Cultivated crops include fruit, wine grapes, proteas, potatoes, waterblommetjies, vegetables and melons. Most of the municipality’s industry is subsidiary to the agriculture sector, with various agro-processing, packaging and bottling opportunities. There is a cement factory at De Hoek.
Email: bergmun@telkomsa.net
Tel: +27 22 913 1126

Cederberg Municipality
Cederberg Municipality is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Northern Cape Province. The region is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the district, famous for indigenous rock art, historical buildings, birdlife, fynbos, and the medicinal ‘buchu’ plant. The economy of the Cederberg is focused on agriculture, forestry, fishing and the burgeoning tourism sector. The cultivation of buchu and essential oils plant material in the Cederberg region is ideally suited for the market in South Africa as well as the international export market.
Email: admin@cederbergraad.co.za
Tel: +27 27 482 8000

Matzikama Municipality
Matzikama Municipality (‘place of water’)is roughly 240km north of the City of Cape Town. With its abundant water supply and fertile soil, the cultivation of vegetables, citrus fruit and vineyards is key in Matzikama. The region’s wine farms and cellars produce quality wine and brandy. There is sheep farming for meat and wool, as well as small-scale wheat and maize farming. The tourism industry is growing and includes the famous Namaqualand flower season.
Email: headoff@matzikamamun.co.za
Tel: +27 27 201 3300

Saldanha Bay Municipality
Saldanha Bay is the largest contributor to the district’s economic output, relying mainly on secondary activities such as processing and transport. The major sectors being targeted for investment include: oil and gas; mineral and metal beneficiation; renewable energy; mariculture and aquaculture. The feasibility of establishing an IDZ at Saldanha Bay is currently being investigated.
Email: mun@saldanhabay.co.za
Tel: +27 22 701 7000

Swartland Municipality
The Swartland offers a relaxed country lifestyle, not too far from city comforts, which makes it an attractive industrial area, close to markets and suppliers. The ports at Cape Town and Saldanha Bay and the airport at Cape Town provide excellent export infrastructure for Swartland businesses. Swartland supports a diverse local economy. Manufacturing, financial and property services and agriculture are all prominent, while government services are a significant contributor. The municipality boasts attractive wine estates, adventure tourism, game farms, and a unique culture and history.
Email: swartland@swartland.org.za
Tel: +27 22 487 9400

« Back












(C) 2005 Western Cape Business | TradeInvestSA

Western Cape Business is published by Global Africa Network (Pty) Ltd
Company registration: 2004/004982/07
Directors: C During; SS Mabotja; CJ Whales; R Pembroke

Copyright
The copyright and all other intellectual property rights in this publication are and remain vested in, or are licensed to, Global Africa Network (Pty) Ltd

Disclaimer
Global Africa Network (Pty) Ltd (GAN), its employees, directors and agents are not responsible for any losses or damages (including any consequential, indirect or special damages) which you might suffer arising out of or in connection with the use of, or inability to use, GAN's publications or websites. While GAN uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this publication, GAN makes no representations as to the accuracy, quality, timeliness, availability or completeness of the information, software, products or other materials available in this publication. Use of this publication is at your own risk. GAN will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use of or any reliance placed on such information.