Cape Town: A Benchmark for Exceptional Governance

Cape Town has ranked number one in the Governance Performance Index, setting the standard for metropolitan cities across South Africa. The city excels in the five essential indicators of governance, including service delivery and economic development, and is the only metropolitan city to score at least four on each measure. Cape Town’s consistent performance is reflected across several reports and indices highlighting its financial transparency, sustainability, and dedication to public service. The city remains an inspiration for other cities, paving the way for good governance that can be achieved with persistence and strategic planning.

What is Cape Town’s Governance Performance Index (GPI)?

Cape Town has clinched the number one position in the Governance Performance Index (GPI) 2024 by Good Governance Africa, thereby establishing a benchmark for metropolitan cities across South Africa by excelling in numerous governance parameters. The GPI assesses cities, districts, and local municipalities on five essential indicators of governance, and Cape Town outshines its competitors by being the only metropolitan city to score at least four on each measure.

Setting the Governance Standards

In the landscape of local administration, Cape Town — located at the southernmost tip of Africa — shines as a beacon of hope. It has clinched the number one position in the Governance Performance Index (GPI) 2024 by Good Governance Africa, thereby establishing a benchmark for metropolitan cities across South Africa by excelling in numerous governance parameters.

The GPI, a gauge for effective governance, assesses cities, districts, and local municipalities on five essential indicators of governance. Cape Town outshines its competitors by being the only metropolitan city to score at least four on each measure. This achievement underlines the city’s devotion to superior governance and solid administration.

Encapsulating Governance Excellence

As we dissect the report, the unique characteristics of Cape Town’s governance become apparent. The city surpasses its peers in the field of service delivery, the most crucial category in the GPI. Such distinction reflects the city’s steadfast commitment to proficiently address its residents’ needs and provide necessary services.

Cape Town also leads in the vital GPI category of Economic Development. Drawing on the latest census and StatsSA data for this evaluation, the index highlights Cape Town’s resilience in maintaining the lowest comprehensive unemployment rate in South Africa. The city has led the formation of 363,000 new jobs since the start of the current local administration term in November 2021, according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q4 2023. This achievement represents the city’s dynamism and flexibility amidst adversity, establishing it as a city that promotes economic advancement.

Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, appreciates the importance of this ranking. He views good governance as the foundation of a strong, job-generating economy, and superior service delivery. He also realizes the significance of this accomplishment for the city’s most disadvantaged residents. The city’s top rank in the latest GPI is seen as a forward step towards their objective of reducing poverty and creating jobs, converting Cape Town into a ‘city of hope’.

Multiple Accolades and Continued Success

However, the GPI is not the only proof of Cape Town’s governance excellence. The city’s consistent performance is reflected across several reports and indices. Named as the country’s most sustainable city by the Municipal Financial Sustainability Index for 2022/23 and the Knights Sustainable Cities Index 2023, the city has also been honored by Ratings Afrika as South Africa’s top municipality for financial sustainability in 2023.

Moreover, the Auditor General granted the city a clean audit for the financial year 2022/23, emphasizing its financial transparency. Prominent credit rating firms like Moody’s have also backed Cape Town with a robust credit rating, retaining a stable outlook even in the face of negative sentiment prevalent in other parts of the country.

Ensuring a Sustainable Future

The path of Cape Town’s successful governance resonates with the principles of resilience, innovation, and sustainable development. Its premier position in the GPI index isn’t a fluke, but the result of persistent efforts and deliberate decisions. While the city revels in its current triumphs, it remains a model for others to follow, setting the bar for excellent governance not only in South Africa but also globally.

The narrative of Cape Town is still unfolding. As it continues its journey, it remains an inspiration for other cities. It has demonstrated what can be accomplished through commitment, effective leadership, and unwavering dedication to public service. The city paves the way for others, showing that good governance is not an elusive ideal, but a reality that can be achieved with persistence and strategic planning.

1. What is the Governance Performance Index (GPI)?

The Governance Performance Index (GPI) is a ranking system developed by Good Governance Africa to assess cities, districts, and local municipalities in South Africa on five essential indicators of governance, including service delivery and economic development. Cape Town was ranked number one in the GPI for 2024.

2. What makes Cape Town stand out in terms of governance?

Cape Town is the only metropolitan city in South Africa to score at least four on each of the five indicators of governance in the GPI. The city excels in service delivery, economic development, financial transparency, sustainability, and dedication to public service.

3. How has Cape Town excelled in service delivery?

Cape Town’s commitment to addressing its residents’ needs and providing necessary services has led the city to surpass its peers in service delivery. The city’s dedication to this category is reflected in its top ranking in the GPI.

4. How has Cape Town promoted economic growth?

Cape Town’s successful economic development is reflected in its resilience in maintaining the lowest unemployment rate in South Africa, according to the GPI. The city has also led the formation of 363,000 new jobs since November 2021.

5. What other accolades has Cape Town received for its governance?

Cape Town has been named the most sustainable city in South Africa by the Municipal Financial Sustainability Index and the Knights Sustainable Cities Index. The city was also recognized as South Africa’s top municipality for financial sustainability by Ratings Afrika in 2023. Additionally, Cape Town has received a clean audit from the Auditor General and a robust credit rating from Moody’s.

6. How does Cape Town promote sustainable development?

Cape Town’s success in sustainable development is reflected in its consistent performance across several reports and indices. The city’s dedication to sustainability and its commitment to resilience, innovation, and sustainable development have contributed to its premier position in the GPI.