For many citizens, the quality and reliability of these services have declined as ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, financial pressures and governance challenges have outpaced population growth.
The contrast between well-managed municipalities and those in persistent distress has widened.
This leaves many rural communities, informal settlements and smaller towns with unreliable water, deteriorating sanitation and limited refuse collection, says Dianne Davies, an independent advisor.
She says South Africa's municipal services tell a story of both progress and growing strain.
“Since 2015, millions more households have gained access to electricity, piped water and improved sanitation, reflecting a continued investment in essential infrastructure. Yet for many citizens, the quality and reliability of these services have declined as ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, financial pressures and governance challenges have outpaced population growth."
