Theme: “Reimagining Developmental Local Government in South Africa: The Reform Agenda and Future Vision of the Promulgated White Paper on Local Government.”
The Department of Public Administration at the Univer is scheduled to host a high-level Policy Dialogue with the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Dickson Masemola, regarding the Promulgated White Paper on Local Government.
As South Africa approaches the finalisation of a revised White Paper on Local Government, this engagement provides a timely opportunity to critically examine the evolving role of local government in tackling contemporary challenges related to governance, development, institutional capacity, fiscal management, and service delivery. The aim is to bridge the gap between policy and practice by bringing together government leaders, academics, researchers, municipal practitioners, students, and civil society stakeholders. Together, they will reflect on the rationale for reform and the future direction of local governance in South Africa.
The Deputy Minister’s keynote presentation will provide insights into the policy rationale that underpins the reform agenda, highlight the main proposals outlined in the White Paper, and discuss their implications for the future of local government. Additionally, the session will foster constructive engagement between policymakers and the academic community regarding implementation considerations and emerging governance challenges.
Panel Discussion panelists:-
- Executive Mayor of Polokwane Local Municipality, Hon Cllr John Makoro Mpe
- MEC: COGHSTA Limpopo, Hon. Basikopo Makamu
- Dikgale Tribal Authority, Kgoshi Malesela Solomon Dikgale
Objectives
The Public Lecture aims to:
- Examine the vision and key reform proposals outlined in the Amalgamated White Paper on Local Government.
- Enhance understanding of the policy development process, the evidence base, and the governance challenges that inform the proposed reforms.
- Facilitate critical engagement regarding the implications of the White Paper for municipal governance, service delivery, intergovernmental relations, accountability, and developmental local government.
- Explore opportunities for collaborative research, policy support, and capacity development among government entities, academia, and local government practitioners.
- Strengthen partnerships that contribute to the successful implementation of local government reforms and the advancement of democratic developmental governance.
Intended Outcomes
- Improved understanding of the proposed local government reform agenda among academics, students, and practitioners.
- Enhanced dialogue between the government and the academic community focused on evidence-based local government reform.
- Identification of key research, policy, and capacity-building priorities outlined in the White Paper.
- Strengthened collaboration among the University, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), municipalities, and other stakeholders concerning local governance innovation and reform.
- Development of recommendations and reflections to support the implementation and monitoring of future local government policies.
Event schedule
Dates: 20 August 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: R-40 Conference Hall, University of Limpopo
Enquiries:
Ms Rosinah Pillay
Email: Rosinah.pillay@ul.ac.za
Tel.: 015 268 3994/3157
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