Government is revising the White Paper on Local Government to renew and strengthen South Africa’s local government system. After more than 25 years since the original 1998 White Paper, experience shows that while the foundations of democratic local government are in place, performance has become uneven and, in many areas, is steadily declining.

Many municipalities struggle with weak governance, financial distress, failing infrastructure and poor service delivery. These problems hit residents hardest – especially poorer households, rural communities and small towns – and undermine trust between communities and government. Infrastructure failure is also holding back local economies and jobs.

The Reviewed Draft White Paper On Local Government responds to these challenges by looking at the whole local government system, not just individual municipalities. It recognises that outcomes depend on how national, provincial and local government work together, alongside communities, business and civil society.

The White Paper sets out a practical reform agenda focused on getting the basics right, upholding the rule of law, and rebuilding trust. It introduces five reinforcing pillars for change, including clean and capable governance, clearer roles and accountability, better partnerships with communities, and sustainable financial and service delivery systems.

Ultimately, the White Paper aims to support ethical, capable and financially sustainable municipalities that deliver reliable services, protect public assets, encourage local development, and place citizens at the centre of local governance.

The review of the original 1998 White Paper began in May 2025, with the Local Government Discussion Document published in April 2025.  Calls were made for public comments and submissions on the Discussion Document and 266 public submissions were received. 

Now, it’s your turn to make read and comment on the Reviewed Draft White Paper On Local Government. 

Members of the public, civil society, organised local government, public institutions, can submit comments on the Reviewed Draft White Paper on Local Government,  by no later than 28 May 2026. 

* Civil Society organisations are lobbying for an extension to the deadline.

Submissions can be forwarded to: WPLG26@cogta.gov.za or RichardP@cogta.gov.za or MaphutiL@cogta.gov.za