The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has released for public input a discussion document on the review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government.

Interested stakeholders have until June 30 to provide input as the department starts its extensive consultations to develop an updated version of the White Paper to outline a modern and fit-for-purpose local government system.

“The 1998 White Paper on Local Government was a critical milestone in the implementation of democratic local governance in South Africa. Significant strides have since been achieved in the establishment of a local government system and the expansion of basic services to millions of South Africans,” the document outlines.

However, despite the achievements made over the past three decades, local government performance has regressed owing to administrative, governance, service delivery, infrastructure, financial, structural and systemic challenges.

According to the document, failure to “do the basics well” has become a major constraint on attracting investment, fostering growth, creating jobs, promoting human development and serving citizens.

To reverse the decline, reform of the local government system has been prioritised to ensure it does not continue to be a limiting factor in South Africa’s development.

The discussion document, published on April 10, outlines the need for an open and honest review.

The process started in September 2022, when Cogta, in partnership with the Presidency, convened a Presidential Local Government Summit, where an official call was made to review the White Paper.

“It was noted that local government system weaknesses and structural issues had persisted despite multiple previous attempts at reform, and there was a need to review the original concepts and assumptions made in 1998.”

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa formally introduced the review during his Budget Vote speech in Parliament in July 2024.

Cogta then started the process in October 2024, undertaking an initial round of consultations with stakeholders within and outside government, including civil society organisations, local government practitioners, academia, research institutions, the National Economic Development and Labour Council, the South African Local Government Association (Salga), provincial governments and national departments.

In addition to the written submissions, further extensive consultations will be conducted with key stakeholders, including national and provincial government departments, municipalities, Salga, nongovernmental organisations, traditional leaders, community-based organisations and the private sector.

The department aims to analyse the submissions between July and September, with a draft report offering policy options to be developed by September 30.

This will be followed by a further round of stakeholder engagements from October to December to refine and conclude policy recommendations and options proposals before the draft reviewed White Paper is finalised.

The department aims to publish the revised Local Government White Paper in March 2026.

The review takes place within a wider process of local government reform already under way.

The National Treasury is also currently considering wide-ranging amendments to the Municipal Financial Management Act, while Cogta has tabled amendments to the Municipal Structures Act to improve the stability of municipal coalitions.

Other reforms under way include the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Water Services Amendment Bill, the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Act and amendments to the National Water Act.