Month-end usually means busy desks, residents queuing at the Rates Hall and plenty of number crunching for the Finance team. But this time, there was an extra buzz in the air as Overstrand Municipality had another reason to celebrate: well-deserved recognition for its strong revenue collection performance.

The municipality received an award and Certificate of Achievement for Revenue Collection Excellence at the 10th Revenue Management Masterclass, hosted by Provincial Treasury on 29 and 30 October 2026 at Club Mykonos on the West Coast.

Overstrand was also invited to share its practical approaches and lessons in balancing growing service delivery demands with the need to maintain a high collection rate.

The presentation highlighted challenges affecting the municipality, including growing indigent demand, expanding informal settlements, rising service delivery costs, customers residing abroad and increasing administrative complexity. It also highlighted the challenges of operating in areas supplied directly by Eskom, where the municipality does not have the benefit of prepaid electricity as a revenue collection tool.

Despite these pressures, Overstrand has maintained strong collection levels through sound financial management, effective customer engagement and consistent revenue collection practices.

Managing a revenue base of more than R2 billion, over 61 000 billing accounts, nearly 40 000 households and 46 088 rateable properties, Overstrand achieved a collection rate of 99.58% for the 2025/26 financial year.

“This is an achievement we can be proud of,” said Executive Mayor, Alderman Archie Klaas. “The recovery from 96.13% in 2023/24 to 99.58% in 2025/26 is something we can be proud of. It shows the strength of our revenue management systems and the willingness of residents to pay for services. We are particularly encouraged that Overstrand has maintained collection rates of 98% or higher in four of the past five financial years.”

The Mayor congratulated Chief Financial Officer Davy Louw and the Finance Directorate, noting that the achievement was the result of teamwork across the municipality.

The municipality’s strong collection performance is supported by six key factors that work together: accurate billing, accessible customer service and payment options, consistent credit control, technology and prepaid services, effective indigent management, and capable staff supported by sound procedures, systems and governance.