[Webinar] The Vision and Strategic Pillars of the 2026 White Paper on Local Government

Hosted by Future Cities Africa and The Municipal Edge | 24 April 2026 Platinum Sponsor: Business Engineering This webinar provided the first detailed public engagement on the revised draft White Paper on Local Government - the most significant reform of South Africa's local government system since 1998. Panelists from COGTA, iLGM and West Coast District Municipality presented the proposals, offered critical responses, and shared how one district is already repositioning itself for the new dispensation. SPEAKERS Dr. Kevin Naidoo - Deputy Director-General, COGTA Dr. Naidoo presented the full architecture of the revised draft, built on 65 policy proposals across 11 chapters. Key shifts include moving from a one-size-fits-all system to a differentiated categorisation framework, from good governance aspirations to integrity by design, and from paper-based administration to a digital backbone. The fiscal transfer to municipalities - currently at 9.7% of nationally raised revenue - needs to increase to between 17% and 18% to close the documented funding gap. The document is targeted for Gazette publication for public comment by mid-May 2026. Prof. Mpilo Ngubane - Deputy President, Institute for Local Government Management (iLGM) Prof. Ngubane gave a frank response to the 65 proposals. His core argument: 60% of local government's problems are political, and legislation alone cannot fix them. He called for legislation to be reduced - not just simplified - noting municipalities must comply with over 300 pieces of legislation. He pushed for external oversight of senior appointments, stronger consequence management, stable accounting officer tenure, and a shift from free to affordable basic services. Dr. Johan Tesselaar - Program Manager, West Coast District Municipality Dr. Tesselaar showed how Weskus has been strategising ahead of the White Paper since 2022, moving from a grant-dependent model to a blended revenue approach built around six business opportunity pillars. His message to other districts: add value now or risk being absorbed in a single-tier system. KEY TAKEAWAYS The draft White Paper will be gazetted for public comment by mid-May 2026 - engage with it -Differentiation is the core design principle: one size no longer fits all The fiscal transfer gap is documented and must be addressed Legislation overload must be reduced, not just simplified Professionalization requires stable appointments and external oversight Consequence management needs independent anchoring Districts should act now - strategic positioning is the best hedge against uncertainty CPD points available - contact [email protected] Hosted by Dan Claassen, Future Cities Africa Moderated by Mr. Zolani Zonyane, The Municipal Edge