Expert Opinion: ‘University researchers must be part of the teamwork needed to improve municipalities’ – UP Chair in Municipal Finance
South Africa is rapidly transforming as people flock to cities in search of jobs, education and a better quality of life.
Already, we are one of the most urbanised countries on the continent. By 2030, 71% of residents will live in cities, according to the government’s own projections.
This puts pressure on municipalities to deliver essential services and upgrade infrastructure. Managing this extra demand will require effective and efficient financial management.
Getting this right will be worth the effort: the World Bank estimates cities generate more than 80% of global GDP.
Cities in our region have struggled to deliver services such as waste removal, water, education and infrastructure development, and the African Development Bank believes this is holding back economic growth.
Municipalities need to urgently invest in infrastructure so that they can keep pace with the higher population numbers as well as the uncertainties.
This means paying closer attention to financial management at municipalities.
The good news is that South African cities often have considerable resources for self-sufficiency, including property taxes, revenue from water, sewage and electricity, and more.
As a result, they’re able to take their own decisions while conforming to municipal finance regulations. Empowering them to use their resources efficiently is a key part of the growth puzzle – and this is why the University of Pretoria (UP) and other universities in the region are supporting research and policy recommendations for municipalities.
By involving policymakers and practitioners in research projects, we foster a collaborative environment, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.
This synergy leads to transformative policy solutions that drive sustainable development.
Identifying best practices for self-sufficiency
For instance, the UP Public Policy Hub is studying revenue mobilisation in the eight South African metros. This research gauges the efficiency of existing measures and will provide best practices and suggest areas for improvement to maximise property tax revenue and become more self-sufficient.
Financial sustainability and quality service delivery are paramount for the resilience and efficiency of urban governance.
UP through the Chair in Municipal Finance and other universities are also looking at how varying revenue sources impact financial stability and access to service quality, providing insights into optimal revenue strategies for urban areas.
This will support policymakers in developing robust financial frameworks for consistent and high-quality service delivery.
Since the Public Policy Hub’s inception, we have forged significant partnerships, including with the City of Tshwane, the City of Johannesburg, and the National Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation.
These collaborations underscore the commitment of researchers to co-producing transdisciplinary, policy-relevant research that addresses real-world public sector needs.
Efficient revenue mobilisation is vital for the healthy functioning of local governments.Improved revenue collection leads to better service delivery, enhanced infrastructure development and an overall improved quality of life for residents.
For young scholars, this research and subsequent related research, offer a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy changes that directly impact their communities.
It bridges the gap between academic inquiry and practical implementation, fostering a new generation of researchers committed to public service.
Together, we can build a future where South African cities are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
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