Governance

The Department of Urban Government is responsible for providing administrative oversight over the operations and functioning of all urban local governments, including controlled areas. Currently, there are 15 gazetted urban local authorities and 4 declared controlled areas across the country. Urban areas are proclaimed in terms of the Urban Government Act, 1969, which recognises three categories of urban local authorities: Town Boards, Town Councils, and Municipal Councils. Among its key responsibilities, the department plays a leading role in the formulation and development of policies and strategies aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and promoting sustainable urban development. It also provides professional and technical guidance to local authorities to support the implementation of their strategic plans, while ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of their performance.

In addition, the department works to ensure that local authorities possess the necessary institutional and physical capacity to effectively discharge their mandates. It also facilitates and maintains sound relations between central government and urban local authorities, thereby promoting coordinated and effective urban governance.