Kempton Park: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has characterised the review of the White Paper on Local Government as one that is timely and urgent. Speaking at the launch of the review at the Premier Hotel OR Tambo in Kempton Park, the Minister emphasized that this initiative represents a pivotal step in reimagining South Africa’s local government framework.
According to South African Government News Agency, since the adoption of the original White Paper in 1998, South Africa has made significant strides, including improved access to basic services, the establishment of autonomous municipalities, and the strengthening of democratic participation. However, numerous municipalities continue to grapple with systemic challenges such as service delivery failures, fiscal mismanagement, and governance breakdowns. Minister Hlabisa highlighted the importance of confronting these challenges head-on.
The Minister pointed out that many municipalities struggle with basic service provision, such as repairing potholes, ensuring access to clean water, and providing reliable waste management. Additionally, some municipalities fail to utilise grants effectively, which is deemed unacceptable. The review of the White Paper aims to provide a blueprint for transformative change, considering the financial unsustainability and lack of revenue base in some of South Africa’s 257 municipalities.
The government views local government as a key driver of its strategic priorities, which include inclusive economic growth, poverty eradication, job creation, and the promotion of ethical and capable governance. The review aligns with these objectives, focusing on strategic pillars such as structural reforms, deepened community participation, ethical leadership, strengthened intergovernmental coordination, recognition of traditional governance structures, and climate-resilient development.
A Discussion Document, released on 10 April 2025, outlines nine policy priority areas for transformation, such as financial reform and the reduction of spatial inequality. The public is invited to submit their inputs by 30 June 2025, as active citizen engagement is deemed crucial to the review process.
Minister Hlabisa reiterated that the review is a national imperative requiring contributions from all stakeholders, including residents, councillors, municipal employees, business leaders, and traditional leaders. The inclusion of Khoi, San, and traditional leadership systems is a key theme of the review, acknowledging these voices as a constitutional obligation and a step toward culturally grounded governance.
The review process began in October 2024 with extensive consultations across various sectors. These engagements informed the current Discussion Document, and further public submissions will shape the revised White Paper, expected to be finalised by March 2026. The Minister underscored that the review’s success depends on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.