Local Government
Local government is the tier of public administration closest to citizens, responsible for delivering essential services and governing municipalities, towns and cities. In South Africa, local government is constitutionally recognised as a distinct sphere of government alongside national and provincial levels, with its own powers and functions. Municipalities are tasked with providing water, electricity, sanitation, refuse removal, roads and community facilities, as well as promoting local economic development. The sector is governed by the Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, which set out governance, planning and financial management requirements. Local government derives revenue from property rates, service charges and intergovernmental transfers. South Africa has 257 municipalities, divided into metropolitan, district and local categories. The sector faces persistent challenges including financial distress, infrastructure backlogs, skills shortages and service delivery protests. Effective local government is critical to economic growth, social stability and the realisation of constitutional rights. Municipalities are led by elected councils and managed by appointed officials, with mayors and municipal managers holding key executive roles. The sector is a major employer and accounts for a significant share of public infrastructure investment.
Local Government Updates
JHB’s finances
Updated 1 hour 15 minutes ago This report was commissioned by the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) to inform its policy series, Johannesburg Matters: Fixing South... →
SA: Velenkosini Hlabisa: Address by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa 2026, Cape Town (26/08/2026)
Updated 6 hours ago The infrastructure challenges and opportunities facing our cities and municipalities require government, businesses, investors, development... →
DA welcomes Grandi Theunissen, leaving the FF+ to our growing party for all
25th August 2026 Today, the DA welcomed Grandi Theunissen, former FF+ Caucus Leader in the City of Tshwane, and former Regional Chairperson for Tshwane for the FF+.... →
Joburg’s Broken Budget
25th August 2026 The second report in CDE’s series, Johannesburg Matters: Fixing South Africa’s growth engine, warns that the non-payment of rates and utility... →
GNU partners DA, ANC clash over manifesto promises ahead of election
By: Thabi Shomolekae 24th August 2026 DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has dismissed the ANC’s pledges ahead of the 2026 local government election as lacking integrity, positioning the DA... →
ANC says it has learnt from past mistakes as it vows ‘capable’ municipal leadership ahead of elections 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 24th August 2026 The ANC has the capacity to lead municipalities effectively following a rigorous selection process for its local government election candidates,... →
The Presidency on launch of Phase 3 of Government Business Partnership for Growth and Jobs
21st August 2026 Phase 3 is focused on urgently addressing the societal crisis of low growth and unemployment. It adds additional sectors to the partnership... →
Daily Podcast – August 18, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae 18th August 2026 Making headlines: Nene appointed Financial and Fiscal Commission chair; Joburg collapse guarantees national failure, warns CDE report; And, WHO... →
Johannesburg Matters: Joburg in Jeopardy
18th August 2026 Johannesburg is the one municipality whose failure would make national success impossible, raising the critical question: if Johannesburg cannot be... →
Statement on the 105th anniversary of the South African Communist Party and the launch of the 2026 Local Government Election Manifesto, 16 August 2026
17th August 2026 Build people’s power where we live, for the right to work, water, land, electricity, roads and safety for all! Comrades, fellow South Africans,... →
