<p>The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs launched the review of the White Paper on Local Government in May 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen the institutional and legislative frameworks governing municipalities. The department published a Discussion Document on 10 April 2025, invited public submissions, and conducted consultations with stakeholders including South African Local Government Association (SALGA), civil society, academia, and provincial governments. The review aims to address governance, financial, and accountability challenges in local government, with an updated White Paper expected by March 2026.</p>

Launch of the White Paper on Local Government Review

Review the local government fiscal framework, including the use of conditional grants

<p>The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, launched the formal review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. The department invited the public, civil society organisations, public institutions, stakeholders, and all spheres of government to submit comments on a discussion document.&nbsp;</p>

Government begins review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government

Review institutional and legislative frameworks of local government

<p>The Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority launched advanced drone and body-worn camera technology in April 2025 to strengthen border security and management. The drones use artificial intelligence, thermal detection, and night-vision technology to monitor border areas and detect illegal crossings, while body-worn cameras help combat corruption and improve accountability among border officials.&nbsp;</p>

Launch of Drone and Body-Worn Camera Technology for Border Security

Establish effective border security

<p>The Department of Home Affairs gazetted the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) in November 2025, introducing a fully digital platform to process applications for film and creative productions. The system replaces a paper-based process that previously required extensive forms and lengthy approval times, and can now deliver outcomes within 24 hours.</p>

Gazetting of the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES)

Accelerate digital transformation across the state

<div class="ewa-rteLine">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development published the Protected Disclosures Bill, 2026 for public comment, with submissions due by 14 May 2026.</div>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">The Bill seeks to strengthen whistleblower protection mechanisms in response to recommendations from the Zondo Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. It aims to improve procedures for reporting corruption, enhance protection against retaliation, and ensure that disclosures are effectively investigated and acted upon by competent authorities.</div>

Publication of the Protected Disclosures Bill to Strengthen Whistleblower Protection (2026)

Combat priority offences (economic, organised crime and corruption)

<p>The government of South Africa has allocated R1.2 billion in a Disaster Recovery Grant to municipalities affected by recent disasters, following severe snowfall and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Eastern Cape.</p>

Disaster Recovery Grant announced to aid municipalities affected by recent natural disasters.

Strengthen disaster management capabilities at local government to respond effectively to any event

<p>President Ramaphosa launched phase two of Operation Vulindlela, focusing on spatial inequality, local government performance enhancement, and digital transformation. The Cabinet approved the Roadmap for Digital Transformation of Government, aiming to modernize government services through investment in digital public infrastructure.</p>

Operation Vulindlela phase II to lead the Digital Transformation Roadmap

Launch the second phase of Operation Vulindlela which will focus on reforming the local government system and improving the delivery of basic services, and harnessing digital public infrastructure as a driver of growth and inclusion

Improve governance and performance of public entities

Establish a centralised ownership model for State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and finalise the National State Enterprises Bill

<p>The National School of Government (NSG) conducted a learning exchange program, allowing public servants and elected representatives to experience China's modernization and professionalization of the state. The Modernisation and Professionalisation of the State programme was hosted by the Academy for International Business Officials in China.</p>

School of government partners with China to train public servants

Build an ethical, capable, and professional public service

Build a reformed, integrated, and modernised Criminal Justice System

Ensure a secured cyberspace

Enhance peace and security in Africa

Advance South African foreign policy for a better world

Enhance efforts to accelerate social cohesion and nation-building

Shift to a utility model for water and electricity services to ensure financial and operational sustainability

Improve efficiency, ease of doing business and productivity of the public sector

Implement the Personnel Compensation Review in order to manage the Wage Bill within the entire Public Sector

<p>National School of Governance (NSG) and KwaZulu-Natal Legislature partner to strengthen governance through training.</p>
<p>This strategic collaboration, which was formally established in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, represents a shared dedication to the enhancement of governance by means of education, training, and the professional development of both elected public representatives and legislative employees.</p>
<p>&nbsp;The NSG will offer targeted training that is designed to enhance ethical leadership and governance, promote the development of effective policies to improve service delivery, and involve citizens in the decision-making process.</p>

The National School of Government (NSG) has partnered with the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature to roll out targeted capacity-building training for its members and employees to enhance governance and service

Capacitate municipalities to improve service delivery

<p>The Trade, Industry, and Competition Ministry is addressing the leadership vacancies and enhancing corporate governance to ensure the department can effectively execute its mandates related to industrialization, localization, and export-led growth.</p>

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has began the process of filling the vacancies at the institute

Implement systems to ensure that capable and qualified people are appointed to senior positions in municipalities

<p>Parliamentary portfolio committees in South Africa have been allocated R3 million to improve planning and resourcing. Speaking at the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, said the funding will ensure committees are adequately resourced and have annual insights for better planning. This will further aid Parliament in increasing research and language capacity to address concerns raised by Members of Parliament last year. Additional researchers and practitioners will be appointed to ensure adequate capacity in all sittings of the National Assembly and Council of Provinces.</p>

Citizens Watch

Promise

Promise History

Launch of the White Paper on Local Government Review