Tag: Ntiyiso Consulting Group
Fixing local government starts with admitting the model is broken
In the African National Congress (ANC)’s annual “January 8 statement”, President Cyril Ramaphosa again placed fixing local government at the top of government priorities. This emphasis is not new. The president made the same point last year. He also referenced having said it before. The repetition matters. It signals that the challenge is no longer about intent. Instead, it is about execution and delivery in fixing local government.
The real risk for municipalities is weaker growth, not lower prices
South Africa has entered a new phase of monetary policy. The repo rate has been cut to 6.75%. Year-on-year inflation sits at 3.6%, and the inflation target has been revised down to 3%, with a one percentage point tolerance band. The downward revision of the inflation target was implemented to align the country with other emerging economies.
Fiscal freedom for cities – unlocking Africa’s urban potential
Africa stands at the most consequential crossroads of its modern development. Our continent is urbanising at a breathtaking pace, a transformation that holds the promise of unprecedented economic growth, innovation and improved living standards. Yet, this promise is being stifled by a critical structural flaw: our cities, the very engines of this growth, are financially hamstrung.
Why Africa’s cities need the power to fund themselves
Africa is urbanising rapidly. According to Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2025 OECD report, our cities will house 1.4 billion people by 2050 – twice today’s number. But this growth is happening in cities that lack the financial power to shape their own futures. Most African cities struggle to raise revenue, borrow money or spend capital at scale.
