Analysis
What the municipal figures show, written up from the audited numbers behind every profile on this site. Rankings, explainers and the questions readers ask most.
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What MDB codes mean, and how to read them
Every South African municipality has a short code issued by the Municipal Demarcation Board. Once you know the pattern, the code alone tells you the province and the category.
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Property rates explained: how your municipal valuation works
Property rates are the most dependable revenue a South African municipality has, and the most commonly disputed item on a household bill. Here is how the valuation, the rate and the rebates fit together.
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Free basic services and indigent support in South African municipalities
South African municipalities must provide a minimum of free water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal to households that cannot afford them. Here is how the indigent register works.
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What is a section 139 intervention?
When a municipality fails to meet its obligations, provincial government can intervene under section 139 of the Constitution. It is the most serious step short of dissolving a council.
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South Africa’s 2026 local government elections: what you need to know
South Africa votes for municipal councils on 4 November 2026. Every council, mayor and ward in the country is up for election.
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Coalition government in South African municipalities
55 of South Africa's 257 municipalities are governed by coalitions. Here is where they are, and what the arrangements look like.
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Which parties control South Africa’s municipal councils
Seats held across all 257 municipal councils, by party. The national picture in local government looks different from the national parliament.
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Municipalities in Eastern Cape: the complete guide
All 39 municipalities in Eastern Cape, with population, finances, audit outcomes and service delivery. 2 metropolitan, 6 district and 31 local.
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Municipalities in Free State: the complete guide
All 23 municipalities in Free State, with population, finances, audit outcomes and service delivery. 1 metropolitan, 4 district and 18 local.
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Municipalities in Gauteng: the complete guide
All 11 municipalities in Gauteng, with population, finances, audit outcomes and service delivery. 3 metropolitan, 2 district and 6 local.
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Municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal: the complete guide
All 54 municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, with population, finances, audit outcomes and service delivery. 1 metropolitan, 10 district and 43 local.
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Municipalities in Limpopo: the complete guide
All 27 municipalities in Limpopo, with population, finances, audit outcomes and service delivery. 5 district and 22 local.
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Municipalities in Mpumalanga: the complete guide
All 20 municipalities in Mpumalanga, with population, finances, audit outcomes and service delivery. 3 district and 17 local.
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Municipalities in North West: the complete guide
All 22 municipalities in North West, with population, finances, audit outcomes and service delivery. 4 district and 18 local.
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Municipalities in Northern Cape: the complete guide
All 31 municipalities in Northern Cape, with population, finances, audit outcomes and service delivery. 5 district and 26 local.
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Municipalities in Western Cape: the complete guide
All 30 municipalities in Western Cape, with population, finances, audit outcomes and service delivery. 1 metropolitan, 5 district and 24 local.
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City of Johannesburg: population, budget and financial health
City of Johannesburg serves 4 803 262 residents on a budget of R79.5 billion. Its financial health grade is E, distressed.
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Cape Town: population, budget and financial health
Cape Town serves 4 772 846 residents on a budget of R64.4 billion. Its financial health grade is B, sound.
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eThekwini: population, budget and financial health
eThekwini serves 4 239 901 residents on a budget of R61.2 billion. Its financial health grade is C, fair.
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City of Ekurhuleni: population, budget and financial health
City of Ekurhuleni serves 4 066 691 residents on a budget of R57.3 billion. Its financial health grade is E, distressed.