IGL submission commenting on the Review of the White Paper on Local Government (2026)

The Institute for Governance and Law (IGL) submitted comments to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on the Review of the White Paper on Local Government (2026) (White Paper).

This 2026 White Paper intends to update and replace the older White Paper on Local Government published in 1998. The White Paper sets out government’s policies to guide legislation around the functioning of local government. The vital role of local government, including as the final leg of service delivery, makes it especially important to have effective guiding policies.

The White Paper starts well by diagnosing what has gone wrong in local government. However, these sectionsrepeat findings from theNational Development Plan 2030 (published in 2012), and it is disheartening that so little has been done to alleviate these problems. The heart of the problem is leadership failures brought on by a long-standing policy of cadre deployment that allows state pillage as it did state capture in the past. Cadre deployment puts loyalty to the party and individuals above the education, skills, or experience crucial for effective leadership. The White Paper does little to guide policy on how local governments should address leadership failings and the de-politicisation of the public service.

The IGL raised several concerns with the content of the White Paper:

1. Local government should focus on appointing effective, ethical leaders.

2. Managers should be competent, know the value of money, understand what corruption is, and appreciate the dangers of corruption.

3. There is a concerning loss of professional skills; addressing this requires policy focused on recruitment, training, and support for staff.

4. Government should provide a clear follow-up in accountability with visible lines of responsibility, including effective early warning systems.

5. There is a need for effective mechanisms that allow for quickly resolving problems.

6. Serious consequences should result for poor behaviour, including incompetence and corruption, in local government to counteract a culture of impunity.

Below you'll find the IGL’s submission on the Review of the White Paper on Local Government (2026) submitted to the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs.

Here is access to the Review of the White Paper on Local Government (2026).