South Africa’s local governments face mounting challenges, from weak administrations to failing service delivery. In the **2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA)** delivered on 12 February, President Ramaphosa has outlined a comprehensive set of remedies to restore accountability, improve infrastructure, and combat corruption. 

Local government in South Africa stands at a crossroads, grappling with deep-rooted issues that threaten the well-being of communities and the integrity of public institutions. President Ramaphosa has acknowledged these challenges and proposed a series of targeted reforms to address them head-on.  

8 challenges identified by President Ramaphosa

1. Weak Administrations Many local governments lack technical capacity and merit-based governance, and are governed by patronage rather than competence. ​
2. Insufficient Accountability: Local governments suffer from a lack of accountability, as highlighted by the Auditor-General. ​
3. Failing Service Delivery: Many municipalities fail to deliver basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity.
4. Poor Financial Management: Mismanagement of funds, including using water revenue for purposes other than upgrading and maintaining infrastructure. ​
5. Neglect of Infrastructure: Poor planning and inadequate maintenance of water systems have led to unreliable access to basic services like water. ​
6. Corruption: Corruption in procurement systems is a major issue, with the Auditor-General identifying it as a significant source of problems. ​
7. Complex and Fragmented System: The current local government system is overly complex, expecting even small and weak municipalities to handle numerous responsibilities. ​
8. Widespread Instability: Weak institutional capability and instability are prevalent in local governments. ​

Ramaphosa’s Solutions for Renewal

To tackle weak administrations, Ramaphosa proposes that senior officials in local government must possess the necessary qualifications and be appointed through an independent, merit-based process free from political interference.  

For accountability, the Water Services Amendment Bill will empower authorities to hold water service providers responsible for their performance, including the withdrawal of licenses for persistent failures.  

Improving service delivery is a central focus. Targeted support through Presidential Working Groups in cities like eThekwini and Johannesburg aims to stabilise infrastructure and enhance service provision. National government intervention is also promised for municipalities that consistently fail to deliver.  

Financial management reforms include a R54 billion incentive for metros to reform water, sanitation, and electricity services, ensuring revenues are reinvested in infrastructure. Criminal charges will be laid against municipalities and managers who misuse funds or violate the National Water Act. 

To address infrastructure neglect, R156 billion in public funding is committed over the next three years for water and sanitation projects, including new dams and upgrades. A National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency will be established to manage these assets and mobilise funding.  

Corruption will be tackled by restructuring procurement systems and introducing new regulations under the Public Procurement Act by mid-2026. Anti-corruption bodies like the Special Investigating Unit, National Prosecuting Authority, and Hawks will be strengthened.  

Finally, a revised White Paper on Local Government will propose fundamental changes, including a differentiated approach to municipal powers and responsibilities, and structured cooperation with traditional and Khoi-San leadership institutions. Collective action and targeted support are emphasised as key to restoring stability and improving governance.  

Civil society responses to Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) regarding local government have been cautious and skeptical about the implementation of Ramaphosa’s proposed reforms. 

Dr. Ferrial Adam of WaterCAN welcomed the "tough talk" on water security and the threat of criminal charges for negligent municipal managers, noting that this focus resulted from years of civil society pressure. However, she warned that without time-bound commitments and audits of tanker contracts, these promises remain "hollow" and feel like a "rehash" of previous speeches.

While the Budget Justice Coalition (BJC) expressed concern that the President's ambitious local government plans lack the "actionable funding" required to succeed. They emphasized that the upcoming national budget must reflect these commitments to avoid them being "recycled promises".

And several civil society organizations expressed disappointment that the President omitted commitments to electoral reform, which they view as essential for making local politicians more directly accountable to voters rather than party structures. 

Many organizations described Ramaphosa’s SONA 2026 as a "sobering scorecard" that failed to provide the necessary operational details or timelines to resolve the "collapsing infrastructure" at the municipal level.