The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) convened a landmark Metro Mayors Meeting in Cape Town, bringing together the leadership of all eight metropolitan municipalities to deliberate on pressing challenges, share best practices, and outline a collective vision for the future of South Africa’s urban centres.

In his welcome, the Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Cllr Geordin Hill-Lewis, emphasised the vital role of metros, which contribute over 55% of the national economy, and the need for stronger collaboration and knowledge-sharing among mayors.

SALGA President, Cllr Bheke Stofile, highlighted the strategic importance of the inaugural meeting, stating:

“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

1. Modernising Municipal Services: Delegates emphasised the urgent need to modernise trading services, including water, electricity, and waste management. They called for clear Service Level Agreements between Eskom and municipalities, transparent tariff-setting with NERSA, and innovative approaches to service delivery.
2. Review of the White Paper on Local Government: The meeting reaffirmed metros’ constitutional authority, with commitments to develop a consolidated metropolitan position on coalition stability, the devolution of key functions (housing, passenger rail, and aspects of policing), and strengthening local autonomy.
3. Professionalisation of Local Government: Participants stressed implementing the Professionalisation Framework to attract young professionals, reduce political interference in administration, and embed Batho Pele principles to prioritise citizen welfare.
4. Fiscal Sustainability: A central concern was that municipalities carry nearly half of government functions yet receive only 10% of nationally raised revenue. Leaders resolved to advocate for a more equitable funding model, explore new revenue instruments, and secure urgent settlement of intergovernmental debts owed to municipalities.
5. Bulk Water Governance: Mayors called for a structural review to give metropolitan municipalities greater control or influence over bulk water infrastructure and Water Boards, supported by transparent tariff processes and stronger collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation.
6. Intergovernmental Relations & the District Development Model (DDM): The gathering agreed that the DDM must reinforce rather than undermine metro authority. SALGA is committed to developing mediation mechanisms to resolve disputes constructively across spheres of government.

A Commitment to Collaborative Governance

The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold quarterly engagements, ensuring that metropolitan municipalities continue to work collectively to address challenges, drive inclusive growth, and position cities as hubs of resilience, innovation, and investment.

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

SALGA expressed its gratitude to all participating mayors and the City of Cape Town for hosting this historic first session. This inaugural meeting sets the foundation for ongoing, structured collaboration, a critical step toward resilient and prosperous cities that are responsive to the needs of citizens and central to South Africa’s economic growth and development.