South African Cities Network CEO on what it takes to run successful cities

In the 2021 State of Cities Report, the focus is on inclusive growth in cities and their ability to address historical economic constraints. While cities are crucial drivers of productivity, economic gains are not evenly distributed, leading to exclusion for many South Africans. Sithole Mbanga, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Cities Network, discussed the challenges faced by cities in achieving their development objectives. According to Mbanga, cities are facing a significant struggle in delivering services, achieving inclusivity, and increasing economic productivity. The complexity in running South African cities, towns, and rural municipalities has been exposed, highlighting issues such as human capacity, governance practices, and innovation. The last 20 years have seen challenges like the global economic downturn in 2008, the impact of climate change, and the recent effects of COVID-19, leaving municipalities in a weakened position compared to their establishment. The lack of political maturity in coalition governments has led to instability, impacting the ability to achieve service delivery objectives. Mbanga stressed the need for an 'all of society' and 'all of government' approach to address the current shortfalls in South African cities. This approach calls for increased participation from civil society organizations and the private business sector to ensure inclusivity, equitability, and improved governance practices. Without collective efforts, the downward spiral faced by municipalities could result in decreased services and the inability to meet the needs of citizens. It is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to strengthen the governance and service delivery in South African cities.