Building the Capacity of Local Authorities in South Africa

I2UD has over a decade of experience in building the capacity of local authorities and revitalizing neighborhoods in post-apartheid South Africa. Our team has worked with central, provincial and local governments to: train officials and councilors in strategic planning and management; provide technical assistance in urban planning and design in townships; and conduct policy evaluations of large-scale programs to provide essential infrastructure and services to lower-income communities.

These activities have allowed I2UD to develop a deep understanding of the challenges facing local authorities in overcoming decades of spatial segregation from the apartheid era where townships were physically disconnected from the economic hubs of the cities and their infrastructure networks. Post-apartheid population growth due to migration to cities placed additional pressure on under-resourced local authorities to improve the provision of infrastructure and services. The Institute’s work has focused on empowering municipalities to overcome these challenges and ensuring that national funding is being leveraged for the greatest local benefit.

I2UD staff began working in South Africa in 1998 through Institute’s precursor, the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University. CUDS organized Executive Education courses to build the capacity of local officials in strategic planning and management to foster local economic development and access to services and build effective partnerships with communities. From 1998 to 2006 over 700 participants attended the ten courses offered across South Africa.

Also in 1998, CUDS undertook a review of the government’s grant-funded Municipal Infrastructure Program. The Municipal Infrastructure Program, which was first implemented in 1995, set an ambitious goal of providing communities with at least a basic level of infrastructure services. The program, targeted to poorer urban and rural communities, offered grants to municipalities to cover the cost of basic services. It was designed as a partnership between the national government, the provincial governments, the municipalities, and the communities. The I2UD staff on the team assessed the government program through field visits to nine provinces, evaluations of 45 projects, and interviews with implementing agencies. The study found that the program met its key objectives, but needed strategic updates in order to meet future challenges. These findings were presented to the Cabinet Committee on Social and Administrative Affairs and Economic Affairs that subsequently moved to expand the program to include upgrading and rehabilitation, reinforce links to local economic development, enhance the retention of funds in the community, and empower marginalized populations. Due to its structure, geographic reach, and speed of delivery, the program completed over 6,000 projects in just ten years. Learn more about our assessment of the Municipal Infrastructure Program here.

In 2006, I2UD partnered with the South African engineering firm KV3 to assist municipalities in the Neighborhood Development Partnership Grant program that focused on increasing townships’ local economic development potential and integration into the regional economy. Over seven years, the team worked with local authorities and community members to develop urban planning and design proposals for nine townships in three municipalities and identify key projects for the grant funding. For example, proposed as part of I2UD’s urban regeneration plan, Ezakheni Township in Ladysmith Municipality received funding for the construction of a taxicab stand, revitalization of a main entrance into the town with sidewalks, lighting, and signage, a public park, and the upgrading of a key vehicular bridge. Check out the following project summaries to learn more about our work with Lesedi, Ladysmith, and Emfuleni municipalities.