Reimagining Local Government: CoGTA Minister Leads White Paper Review Process

The review process, set to conclude by March 2026, aims to modernize governance structures, improve municipal performance, and enhance service delivery.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has announced a comprehensive review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, marking a pivotal step in reshaping local governance in South Africa.

The inaugural meeting of the White Paper Review Political Steering Committee was held in Cape Town, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the transformation of local government to better address contemporary challenges. The review process, set to conclude by March 2026, aims to modernize governance structures, improve municipal performance, and enhance service delivery.

The Need for Reform

Since its inception on 9 March 1998, the White Paper on Local Government has laid the foundation for a developmental local government system. It has been instrumental in extending essential services to millions. However, persistent issues such as financial mismanagement, inadequate governance, lack of accountability, limited public participation, political interference, and skills shortages have hindered municipalities’ effectiveness.

Minister Hlabisa acknowledged these concerns, stating: “Despite notable advancements, local government performance has deteriorated in recent years. This review presents a historic opportunity to restructure and transform local governance for future generations.”

Key Areas of Focus

The review process will encompass several core aspects:

• Governance and Accountability: Strengthening transparency, governance frameworks, and community participation.
• Financial Management: Addressing mismanagement, revenue generation strategies, and municipal funding models.
• Intergovernmental Relations: Evaluating the two-tier system and optimizing coordination between national, provincial, and local government structures.
• Infrastructure and Service Delivery: Ensuring municipal policies translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure and service efficiency.
• Capacity Building: Enhancing the skillsets of municipal officials to drive effective local governance.
• Community Engagement: Fostering active participation of residents in decision-making processes.

Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future

The government has committed to extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including businesses, community organizations, and traditional leaders, to craft an inclusive and effective policy framework.

Hlabisa emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting: “Municipalities and traditional leaders share a symbiotic relationship that must be acknowledged and strengthened. An ideal local government must reflect the aspirations of all South Africans and build sustainable livelihoods.”

Consultative Process and Next Steps

On 7 March 2025, CoGTA engaged with the National Business Initiative and Gauteng-based businesses to discuss the review. Further consultations will be conducted nationwide, ensuring public participation remains a cornerstone of the process.

The White Paper Review Team, guided by the Political Steering Committee, will continue refining policy recommendations, with a deadline set for March 2026. The ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive, actionable framework that fosters accountable and efficient local governance.

A Call to Action

Minister Hlabisa urged all citizens, businesses, and governance bodies to actively contribute to the review process. “Public participation is crucial in identifying successes, challenges, and areas requiring improvement. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the local governance of tomorrow.”

With the ongoing review, South Africa stands at a transformative moment—one that has the potential to reshape local government into a more responsive, effective, and people-centric institution.