Volume 21, Issue 3, June 2026
Amplifying the community voice in local government
Section 2 of the Municipal Systems Act defines a municipality as a triad: Council (constituted by councillors), Administration (made up of officials appointed by the council), and Community (including residents of the municipality, rate payers and civil society organisations operating in the municipal area).
Some progress in improving implementation of the Free Basic Services Policy, but a comprehensive policy review is still required
Millions of South Africans still lack access to basic services such as water, sanitation, electricity and other essential municipal services despite Government’s efforts over the last 25 years in implementing its Free Basic Services (FBS) policy.
Coalition governance and municipal stability in South Africa: Institutional challenges and reform imperatives
Since 2000, South Africa’s local government system has largely been characterised by the rule of dominant parties, mainly under the African National Congress (ANC).
Enabling the hydrogen economy: Are South African Municipalities ready?
South Africa is embarking on an ambitious transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
The limits of municipal expropriation powers in addressing housing shortage: City of Tshwane v Summer Season Trading
South Africa’s housing crisis remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges in the post-apartheid era.
The role of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders in the integrated development planning process
This article presents the results of a study which examined the role of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders in supporting effective and efficient integrated service delivery through integrated development plans (IDPs).
Bridging the governance literacy gap: Why capacity building matters for meaningful public participation
South African local government remains a complex system for communities to navigate. Yet communities have the potential to strengthen accountability and improve governance through the various public participation mechanisms established in law.
