South Africa's Cities Are Failing. Will Voters Demand Better?

South African municipalities are failing at the basics, according to an analysis of local government performance. The review points to systemic failures in three key areas: spending on capital projects (large infrastructure builds), maintaining existing infrastructure, and day-to-day governance. These failures are widespread, not isolated. The analysis calls on voters to demand higher standards and to elect qualified leaders. Without public pressure, the pattern of underperformance is likely to continue.