CoGTA to Reimagine Local Governance Through National White Paper Review Process

South Africa’s local government landscape is poised for a major overhaul as the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, prepares to launch the Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government (WPLG98). The official launch event is scheduled for Monday, 19 May 2025, and marks the beginning of an inclusive national reform initiative that aims to strengthen the country’s local governance system through strategic policy innovation and public engagement.

A New Chapter in Local Governance

The White Paper on Local Government, originally adopted in 1998, was a cornerstone in South Africa’s transition to a democratic system. It provided the policy framework for building developmental local government—intended to be responsive, people-centered, and capable of delivering quality public services. However, after more than 25 years, the policy has shown signs of strain amid increasing socio-economic and governance challenges.

Recognizing the urgency to revitalize the local government model, CoGTA’s review initiative seeks to create a reimagined, adaptive framework that is responsive to modern realities. According to the department, the review will be a “call to action” for communities, public institutions, civil society, and traditional leaders to collaboratively shape a new vision for local governance that prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and resilience.

Addressing the Crisis in Local Governance

The rationale for the review is grounded in growing evidence of systemic issues within South Africa’s municipalities. Many local governments are plagued by financial mismanagement, weak institutional capacity, corruption, political infighting, and poor service delivery. These persistent challenges have significantly hampered municipalities' ability to fulfill their constitutional mandates and have led to widespread dissatisfaction among residents.

In a statement released by CoGTA, the department emphasized that the “current model is no longer adequate to meet the evolving developmental and service delivery needs of communities.” The White Paper review is intended to address this gap by building a “fit-for-purpose, resilient, and developmental local government system aligned with the country’s constitutional vision.”

An Inclusive and Participatory Process

Central to the review process is the principle of inclusivity. The launch event on 19 May is expected to bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including national and provincial government officials, local government representatives, traditional authorities, academics, community-based organizations, and members of the public.

This participatory approach is designed to foster dialogue on the failures and successes of the existing system while generating practical and context-specific solutions. Through public consultations, workshops, and policy roundtables, the review process will aim to incorporate diverse perspectives into the formulation of a new White Paper.

Commitment to Structural Reform

The Department of Cooperative Governance views the White Paper review as more than just a policy update—it sees it as a milestone in the country’s democratic journey. By initiating a robust and inclusive reform process, the government signals its commitment to long-term structural transformation in the local government sector.

“This is not just a technical review—it’s a reaffirmation of our democratic principles and our duty to serve the people with integrity and purpose,” said Minister Hlabisa in a recent address to stakeholders.

The revised White Paper will seek to redefine the roles, responsibilities, and intergovernmental relations necessary for effective municipal governance. It will also consider the integration of technology, environmental sustainability, and community-driven development models in future planning.

Way Forward

Following the launch, CoGTA will embark on a nationwide engagement campaign. Feedback collected during this process will inform the drafting of the new White Paper, which is expected to be completed in 2026. The department has committed to transparency and accountability throughout the process, with regular updates and stakeholder briefings planned at key milestones.

As South Africa grapples with service delivery protests, fiscal constraints, and declining public trust, the White Paper review could not come at a more crucial time. It presents an opportunity to reset the foundations of local governance and ensure that municipalities are better equipped to meet the aspirations of their communities.