Our vision for the future

OUR DREAM OF A DESIRED FUTURE FOR THE SWARTLAND

During the Strategy Workshop with Council and management that was held on 23-25 November 2022, the participants were divided into five groups and given the task to write down their dream of a desired future for the Swartland.  The desired future described below is a consolidation of the work of the five groups.

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND WELLBEING

We dream of a Swartland that is crime free. An area where people feel safe and don’t get robbed. Where everyone can move freely without fear.

We see an area where children can safely play in streets and parks. Where they can safely walk or ride by bicycle to school. Where there is a culture of "my child is your child".

We see communities that are law-abiding. Where the causes of criminality are eradicated. Where there is an effective police force to provide the necessary protection.

We dream of a Swartland that is rich in social and cultural activities. Where all our communities live together in peace, harmony, love and compassion, taking responsibility for their actions. An environment where people respect each other, have opportunities to grow and develop and contribute to the economy.

We see a quality and affordable education system that moved beyond the traditional curriculum and can cater for the future educational needs. We see an area where proper health care is affordable and accessible for all residents.

We see open spaces, hiking trials and cycle tracks that promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

We see “Ubuntu” lived and practised by all to its fullest extent in Swartland.

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

We dream of a Swartland where the economy has grown and attracted private and global investment. Where everyone has a job and where economic growth is sustained through education, skills development and entrepreneurial opportunities.

We see an abundance of vendors and entrepreneurs. No loitering and beggars on the streets. Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) are mentored to be sustainable.

We see skills transfer centres in all our areas and also on-line.

QUALITY AND RELIABLE SERVICES

We dream of a Swartland where everyone has access to excellent and sustainable services. Services that are provided at affordable rates and upgraded continuously. We see innovative ideas becoming a reality and the smarter management of resources. We see a community that is prepared to be co-responsible for the state of our infrastructure.

We see an integrated transport and effective commuting network with less vehicles on our streets and therefore less traffic congestion.

A HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

We dream of a Swartland where the biodiversity and wild life are protected. Where the skies are blue (no pollution), the air is clean (no unhealthy emissions) and the environment is green (proper environmental conservation and improved health of the environment).

We dream of a Swartland where every citizen has access to safe, secure and affordable housing. Where the government and private sector work together to ensure that there is adequate housing for all and that those who are currently living in substandard housing are provided with better options.

We see a future where informal settlements are transformed into well-planned, sustainable communities with access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and other basic services. Where these communities are designed with input from the residents themselves to ensure that their needs and aspirations are met.

A CONNECTED AND INNOVATIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT

We dream of a world class Swartland that is globally connected. Where technology is utilised to make life easier to communicate commute and interact. Where every home has an optic fibre connection.

We see a Municipality that embraces innovation; with enhanced connectivity and collaboration, that can contribute to a prosperous and sustainable future.

We dream of a Municipality that leverages technology to better serve the needs of the community.

We see a Swartland where the smart city concept is used to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public and improve both the quality of government services and citizen welfare.

OUR FUTURE SWARTLAND

We dream of Swartland 2040 that is valued for -

• being safe, healthy and prosperous;

• providing good governance, quality services and the ease of doing business with; and

• leading in technological innovation and environmental responsibility.

VISION

Swartland forward-thinking 2040 - where people can live their dreams

Swartland vooruitdenkend 2040 - waar mense hul drome kan uitleef