 | Drakenstein Municipality wins gold at 2025 Service Excellence Awards
15 September 2025 | Press Releases |
13 September 2025
Drakenstein Municipality has once again proven its commitment to innovation, exceptional service delivery and community impact, earning top honours at the 2025 Western Cape Government Service Excellence Awards, held at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town on Friday, 12 September 2025.
Drakenstein Municipality won the Best Municipality Award (Gold) at the prestigious event, followed by Swartland Municipality in second place (Silver) and Mossel Bay Municipality in third (Bronze). The Best Municipality Award reinforces Drakenstein Municipality's position as the best secondary city in the Western Cape.
Last year, Drakenstein Municipality was rated the number one secondary city for good governance in South Africa by the research and advocacy non-profit organisation Good Governance Africa in the Governance Performance Index (GPI) report of 2024. Since 2011, the Municipality has achieved 17 consecutive unqualified audit opinions from the Auditor-General of South Africa, 10 of which were clean audits.
Drakenstein Municipality's consistent performance, citizen-focused initiatives, commitment to sustainability, and forward-thinking leadership were celebrated among the province's best.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our municipal teams, our industry partners and, importantly, of the residents and business sector of Drakenstein," said an elated Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of the Municipality.
“We are proud to serve a community that believes in accountability and excellence."
The awards ceremony, hosted annually by the Western Cape Government, acknowledges municipalities that demonstrate outstanding governance, innovation, and responsiveness to community needs.
Drakenstein Municipality's track record of clean audits, infrastructure resilience, and inclusive development continues to set a benchmark for secondary cities and municipalities across South Africa.
Dr Johan Leibbrandt, City Manager, said: “We are especially proud of the collaborative spirit that drives our work and performance. From frontline service teams to strategic planners, every person in this municipality plays a role in building a better Drakenstein."
Drakenstein Municipality extends its gratitude to the Western Cape Government, its partners, and the broader community for their continued support. As the Municipality looks ahead, it remains committed to delivering services that are not only efficient but also empowering.
About Drakenstein Municipality
Located an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is one of the country's most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities. The Municipality has been rated South Africa's number one secondary city and has, since 2011, achieved 10 clean audits. Boasting the largest economy in the Cape Winelands, Drakenstein is home to 311 601 residents and includes the historic Winelands towns of Paarl and Wellington.
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. As Southern Africa's first self-declared Fair Trade City and the fourth in Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is serious about building a sustainable future, and has garnered various awards for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. Drakenstein is also recognised for having one of the highest growth potentials in the Western Cape. As a progressive business and investment region and a city geared for growth, it constantly attracts new development.
For more, visit https://www.drakenstein.gov.za/ or follow the Municipality on Facebook at @DrakensteinMunicipality, Instagram at @drakensteinmunicipality, LinkedIn at Drakenstein Municipality and YouTube at @DrakensteinMunicipality1.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
