Reforming local government: Seizing a vital opportunity for South Africa

By Alderman Aaron Maluleka

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has taken a critical step by reviewing the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, a policy that once promised transformative, people-centered governance but now stands as a relic of unfulfilled potential.

Decades of financial mismanagement, service delivery failures, and systemic corruption have eroded public trust, leaving municipalities dysfunctional and communities disillusioned.

This review is not just necessary—it is urgent, and its success depends on bold, actionable reforms.

South Africa’s local government system is in crisis.

Municipal debt has ballooned to R230.5 billion, with households—many already struggling—bearing the brunt. Water and electricity failures have become routine, while corruption and political interference paralyse governance.

The skills deficit is equally alarming, with key positions like municipal managers remaining vacant, crippling service delivery.

The 1998 White Paper’s vision of developmental local government has been undermined by poor implementation, weak oversight, and