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 University of Limpopo, located in South Africa, is set to host an impactful and high-profile Policy Dialogue featuring the esteemed Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr. Dickson Masemola. This engaging event will focus on the recently promulgated White Paper on Local Government, a pivotal document that seeks to redefine the landscape of local governance in the country.
As South Africa progresses towards finalising a revised White Paper on Local Government, this dialogue presents a crucial opportunity to delve deeply into the transforming role of local government in addressing pressing contemporary challenges. These challenges encompass governance, development, institutional capacity, fiscal management, and the effective delivery of essential services to communities. By bringing together a diverse group of participants—including government leaders, knowledgeable academics, insightful researchers, experienced municipal practitioners, enthusiastic students, and dedicated civil society representatives—this event aims to create a collaborative environment where policy can meet practical implementation.
The highlight of the session will be the Deputy Minister’s keynote address, which promises to shed light on the important policy rationale driving the reform agenda. Dr. Masemola will outline key proposals articulated in the White Paper and discuss their potential ramifications for the future trajectory of local government in South Africa. Moreover, this session will encourage productive dialogue between policymakers and the academic community, aiming to address implementation challenges and emerging issues within the governance framework.
The panel discussion will include notable figures such as:
- Hon. Cllr John Makoro Mpe, the Executive Mayor of Polokwane Local Municipality
- Hon. Basikopo Makamu, the MEC for COGHSTA in Limpopo
- Kgoshi Malesela Solomon Dikgale, representing the Dikgale Tribal Authority
Objectives of the Public Lecture:
The primary goals of this Public Lecture are multi-faceted:
- To thoroughly examine the vision and fundamental reform proposals found in the Amalgamated White Paper on Local Government.
- To enhance understanding of the policy development process, drawing from a solid evidence base, while also addressing the governance challenges that underpin the proposed reforms.
- To promote critical engagement about how the White Paper impacts municipal governance, service delivery, intergovernmental relations, accountability, and the concept of developmental local government.
- To identify and explore opportunities for collaboration in research, policy support, and capacity development among government entities, academic institutions, and local government practitioners.
- To strengthen partnerships that will contribute to the effective implementation of local government reforms and the promotion of democratic developmental governance.
Intended Outcomes:
The anticipated results of this dialogue include:
- An improved understanding of the proposed local government reform agenda among academic circles, students, and practitioners in the field.
- Enhanced dialogue between governmental bodies and the academic sector, focusing on evidence-based approaches to local government reform.
- The identification of key research, policy, and capacity-building priorities highlighted in the White Paper.
- Strengthened collaboration between the University, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), municipalities, and other stakeholders dedicated to local governance innovation and reform.
- The development of thoughtful recommendations and reflections aimed at supporting the implementation and ongoing 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