South Africa is rapidly urbanizing, with projections indicating that by 2030, 71% of its population will live in cities. This growth is straining municipalities to improve services and infrastructure. Effective financial management is critical, as cities generate over 80% of global GDP but are struggling with service delivery issues, hindering economic growth.
Investment in infrastructure and efficient financial management are essential. South African cities have resources like property taxes and utility revenues to support this. The University of Pretoria and other institutions are leading research to improve municipal finance and service delivery, including examining revenue mobilization and best practices.
Partnerships with cities and government departments highlight the commitment to producing research that addresses public sector needs. Improved revenue collection is crucial for better services and quality of life, offering opportunities for scholars to drive impactful policy changes. This research aims to support the development of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments in South Africa.
