The FW de Klerk Foundation today hosted a conference on achieving successful municipal service delivery, bringing together leaders from government and civil society in local government.

The clear message was that South Africa’s constitutional rights can only be realised through capable institutions, reliable infrastructure and accountable governance.

Deputy Director-General Ogalaletseng Gaarekwe of National Treasury stressed that real financial capacity is four things working together: A complete revenue value chain, disciplined spending, proper infrastructure investment and institutional competence to manage it all. Without all four, municipalities will keep sliding even if they have a big grant.

Deputy Director-General Xolani Zwane of the Department of Water and Sanitation warned that municipal water services face a growing crisis. He outlined reforms to strengthen accountability, improve governance and secure long-term investment in water infrastructure.

Urban development expert Dr Michael Sutcliffe highlighted progress in housing since 1994 but noted that spatial inequality continues to limit opportunities for millions of South Africans. He argued that one-size-fits-all policies fail, because municipalities are not the same and called for evidence-based policies.

Mameetse Masemola, Head of Infrastructure South Africa, emphasised the need to strengthen municipal capacity, improve project preparation and expand public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure delivery.

Executive Mayor Chris Pappas argued that local government should be measured by results rather than procedures. He called for less bureaucracy, faster decision-making and greater accountability for outcomes.

“The Constitution guarantees dignity, equality and access to essential services,” said Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation. “These rights become meaningful only when institutions function effectively and improvements people’s daily lives.”

The Foundation believes that stronger local government, better water governance and the reduction of spatial inequality are essential to building a constitutional democracy that delivers tangible benefits for all South Africans.

ENDS