SALGA AND METRO MAYORS FORGE A UNITED FRONT FOR STRONGER GOVERNANCE

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) convened a landmark Metro Mayors Meeting in Cape Town on 28 August 2025, bringing together the leadership of all eight metropolitan municipalities. The gathering marked the beginning of a structured platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective problem-solving among the country’s largest urban centres, which together contribute more than 55% of the national economy.

In his welcome, City of Cape Town Executive Mayor, Cllr Geordin Hill-Lewis, underscored the pivotal role of metros in driving South Africa’s development. He stressed that their ability to work together would determine how effectively municipalities could meet service delivery expectations and unlock growth opportunities.

SALGA President, Cllr Bheke Stofile, emphasised the strategic importance of the inaugural meeting: “Local government is akin to the legs - without strong legs, the entire body falters. By strengthening our metros, we enhance the state, boost the economy, and improve the daily lives of our citizens.”

Key Issues and Resolutions

• Modernising Services

Delegates agreed that modernising core trading services - such as water, electricity, and waste managementmust be prioritised. They called for improved Service Level Agreements with Eskom, transparent tariff-setting with NERSA, and innovative delivery models that reflect the changing needs of urban residents.

• White Paper on Local Government

The meeting reaffirmed the constitutional authority of metros and their role in shaping governance reform. Leaders committed to developing a consolidated metropolitan position on issues including coalition stability, devolution of key functions such as housing, passenger rail and policing, and enhancing local autonomy.

“We are committed to building strong partnerships with our metro municipalities to address the challenges we face and to drive progress in our cities.”- SALGA President, Cllr Stofile

• Professionalising Local Government

Participants at the event highlighted the urgency of implementing the Professionalisation Framework. This includes attracting young professionals into the sector, embedding Batho Pele principles, and minimising political interference in administration to ensure that service delivery remains citizencentred.

• Fiscal Sustainability

A recurring concern was the imbalance in fiscal allocations: municipalities shoulder nearly half of government functions but receive only 10% of nationally raised revenue.

Delegates resolved to advocate for a more equitable funding model, explore new revenue instruments, and push for the urgent settlement of debts owed to municipalities by other government entities.

• Bulk Water Governance

Metro mayors also pressed for greater control over bulk water infrastructure and Water Boards, supported by more transparent tariff processes and closer collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation.

• Intergovernmental Relations and the DDM

While recognising the value of the District Development Model (DDM), mayors stressed that it must complement, rather than dilute, metropolitan authority. SALGA undertook to develop mediation mechanisms to resolve intergovernmental disputes constructively.

• Building Resilient Cities

The meeting closed with a commitment to hold quarterly engagements, ensuring metros remain aligned in their efforts to address challenges, foster inclusive growth, and position cities as hubs of resilience, innovation, and investment.

This inaugural meeting has laid the foundation for a collaborative era in metropolitan governance - one that prioritises sustainable service delivery, financial stability, and responsive leadership to advance the wellbeing of citizens and South Africa’s broader economic development.