Developmental local government: two decades of progress

Over the past two decades, South Africa's democratic local government system has indeed ushered in an era of unprecedented developmental excellence, marking significant progress in advancing human rights at the grassroots level. As the foundation of democratic governance, local government continues to play an important role in promoting and protecting human rights within communities, and the past 30 years of democracy in South Africa provide a compelling narrative of this intersection.

In this month of celebrating Human Rights, we reflect on this journey that is marked by a resolute commitment to inclusivity, the implementation of progressive policies, and the enactment of legislation that has left an indelible mark on the nation.

The transformative impact of the local government system is not just a theoretical concept; it is a tangible reality, evident in the positive changes and advancements witnessed across the entire country.

One of the most significant triumphs of this democratic local government is the improvement in the lives of millions of households that were once deprived of essential services. Through the tireless efforts of our democratic local government, basic amenities that were once out of reach for many now stand as symbols of progress and prosperity. Access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and other fundamental services have become a reality for countless families, marking a substantial improvement in their quality of life.

Crucially, the normalisation of regular free and fair elections has emerged as a cornerstone of our democratic ethos. This democratic exercise not only reflects the core principles of equality and representation but has also played a role in fostering racial and gender inclusivity within municipal councils. The composition of these councils brings us closer to mirror the diversity of our nation, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard and considered in the decision-making processes that directly impact their lives.

Acknowledging our undeniable successes, it is crucial to confront the persisting challenges— chief among them, the battle against dysfunctional municipalities, economic disparities, and declining service quality as well as backlogs in some areas. The recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, failing power systems and the effects of climate change, have only served to amplify these difficulties. However, within the adversities, a beacon of hope shines brightly.

A comprehensive 21-year review, conducted by the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG), now unveils a roadmap for progress. This thorough examination not only recognises the challenges

but also shifts the focus towards concrete solutions and strategies to fortify a more resilient and responsive local government system.

Municipalities, often the unsung heroes, play an important role in providing essential services and shaping the built environment. Astonishingly, municipal infrastructure spending surpasses that of national and provincial governments combined, excluding State Owned Entities (SOEs). This stands as a testament to their dedication to directly benefit households and address the unique needs of diverse communities.

However, the review brings attention to a concerning trend of declining municipal investment post-2016, exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of climate change. Despite these challenges, it underscores the positive strides made in providing water services, with 88.7% of households having access to piped water in 2021, an increase of 5.3 million households compared to 2002.

Sanitation services have seen a notable increase, with 84.1% of households having access in 2021. Particularly noteworthy is the Eastern Cape's impressive 59.3 percentage point increase, reaching 92.7% access. Electrification

efforts have borne fruit, with 89.3% of households connected to the mains electricity supply in 2021. Surprisingly, rural areas, including Limpopo, Northern Cape, and Free State, lead in electricity access, challenging preconceived notions. While solid waste management has made progress, with a slight decline in weekly removal services, the review indicates that over 80.6% of metropolitan households do not separate waste for recycling. This highlights the imperative need for increased environmental awareness and education.

The commitment to uplifting the less privileged is evident in the Free Basic Services (FBS) programme for indigent households. Ensuring a minimum package of tariff-free essential services, this initiative reflects the government's dedication to supporting those in need.

In 2019, in a bid to enhance the integrated delivery of services and ensure a more efficient, accountable, and people-centric local governance system, Cabinet approved the District Development Model (DDM).

This operational model is set to transform cooperative governance, fostering a capable and ethical Developmental State while elevating the state of local government.

The DDM operates on the principles of an all-of-government and society approach, facilitating collaboration among all three spheres of government and state entities. This holistic strategy aims to promote higher performance, accountability, and effective service delivery with a focus on impactful development outcomes.

The DDM reinforces the need for improved intergovernmental coordination within the existing intergovernmental relations system. Moving away from mere alignment of plans, it advocates for co-planning, co-budgeting, and co-implementation of key developmental objectives and priorities. Importantly, the DDM does not replace the existing division and allocation of powers, functions, and responsibilities of spheres of government and organs of state.

While proactive measures like the DDM aim to strengthen local governance, Section 139 of the Constitution provides a mechanism for provincial and national interventions in municipalities when they fail to meet executive obligations. Since 1998, there have been 161 invocations of Section 139 interventions in municipalities, with an average of seven interventions per year. The majority of interventions since 2016, involving over 65 municipalities, were prompted by financial and governance issues.

Common challenges leading to interventions include lack of service delivery, financial mismanagement, poor governance, political and administrative instability, and failure to meet financial obligations. Financial non-viability often stems from issues such as poor budgeting, weak billing systems, infrastructure mismanagement, and fraud and corruption, emphasizing the importance of effective financial management in local governance.

The introduction of the DDM and ongoing interventions under Section 139 signal our commitment to creating a resilient, accountable, and service-oriented local governance system. Through these initiatives, South Africa is forging a path towards a future where every municipality can thrive, delivering essential services efficiently and fostering community well-being.

As South Africa navigates its developmental journey, the 21-year review provides not just a reflection of challenges but a roadmap for a brighter, more inclusive future. By addressing current issues, building on successes, and nurturing collaboration, the nation can continue on its path towards a resilient and prosperous future for all. ❖