UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This guide provides an overview of the structure, responsibilities, and governance of local government in South Africa, detailing the roles of municipalities, political structures, and the local community.

• Local government in South Africa is mandated by Sections 152 and 153 (Chapter 7) of the Constitution to be accountable, responsive to community needs, and responsible for its decisions. Its primary role is to provide basic services and promote development to improve the daily lives of citizens, particularly marginalized families.
• The specific service delivery responsibilities of municipalities, as outlined in Schedules 4b and 5b of the Constitution, include water and sanitation, electricity, refuse removal, land-use decisions, childcare facilities, fire services, public transport, building regulations, municipal parks, street lighting, and street trading.
• South Africa's government is divided into three spheres: local, provincial, and national. While each sphere can operate independently, they must work together to ensure service delivery. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is responsible for ensuring these spheres work together effectively.
• There are three categories of municipalities: Category A (Metros), which are the 8 largest cities with significant powers and councils of up to 270 councillors; Category B (Local Municipalities), which cover areas outside metros and share governance with District Municipalities; and Category C (District Municipalities), which coordinate development and resources across 3-6 Local Municipalities.
• Local government consists of three pillars: the local community, political structures, and administration. The local community includes residents, taxpayers, NGOs, private companies, and visitors, all of whom have the right to participate in decision-making, lodge complaints, and be informed about council decisions.
• The Council is the highest political decision-making body, possessing both legislative powers (passing local laws, budgets, and policies) and executive powers (leading and managing administrative work). It is composed of ward councillors and proportional representation (PR) councillors.
• Municipal administration, or the civil service, is led by the municipal manager and a team of senior managers. Unlike political representatives, these officials are appointed based on skills and experience (e.g., engineering or town planning) and serve regardless of which political party is in power.

APA

Public Affairs Research Institute (n.d.). UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Understanding-LG-Setswana.pdf

Chicago

Public Affairs Research Institute. UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT. n.d. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Understanding-LG-Setswana.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Public Affairs Research Institute |title=UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT |url=https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Understanding-LG-Setswana.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{publicaffairsresearchinstitutendunderstanding, author = {{Public Affairs Research Institute}}, title = {{UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT}}, institution = {Public Affairs Research Institute}, url = {https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Understanding-LG-Setswana.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }