Innovation in local government requires more than technical solutions, PARI colloquium hears

How can municipalities innovate amid political instability, weak administration, and declining public trust? This question framed the opening panel, Local Government as a Site of Innovation, at the PARI colloquium held at the University of Johannesburg on 15 October 2026.

The panel featured Anna Selmeczi of the African Centre for Cities, Rekgotsofetse Chikane of the Wits School of Governance, Rashid Seedat of the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO), Jabu Hlatshwayo of PARI and Trevor Ngwane of the University of Johannesburg. Geci Karuri-Sebina of the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies chaired the discussion.

Panellists challenged conventional understandings of innovation, highlighting the importance of grassroots mobilisation, citizen participation, political accountability and institutional reform alongside technology and administrative efficiency.

Reimagining democracy through community action

Selmeczi explored how grassroots organisations and social movements contribute to democratic innovation, drawing on examples from New York, Cape Town and Lyon. Community initiatives, including COVID-19 mutual-aid networks and housing occupations, demonstrated how residents organise to address inequality and influence urban governance beyond formal government structures.

She emphasised that community initiatives and state institutions are interconnected, with residents engaging municipalities to challenge existing arrangements and influence decisions.

Can communities hold political representatives accountable?

Ngwane discussed the Operation Khanyisa Movement's efforts to establish more accountable political representation in Johannesburg. The movement experimented with public pledges, community committees and mechanisms to hold councillors accountable to the communities they represented.

The experience highlighted both the possibilities and challenges of strengthening community oversight within formal political institutions, particularly the need for sustained mobilisation to keep elected representatives accountable.

Stability or innovation?

The panel explored whether municipalities must stabilise their institutions before innovating or whether innovation can help address institutional crises.

Panellists questioned whether training and technical assistance alone could resolve municipal underperformance, pointing to political interference and institutional cultures that limit officials' ability to exercise independent judgement.

They highlighted the need for environments that encourage initiative, experimentation and learning as part of efforts to strengthen local government.

Rethinking what innovation means

The discussion recognised different forms of innovation, from digital tools that improve communication between municipalities and residents to institutional reforms and community-led initiatives that strengthen participation and accountability.

Ultimately, the panel positioned local government as a critical site for democratic innovation, while acknowledging that political interference, institutional weaknesses and declining public trust continue to constrain reform.

The central message was that improving municipalities requires more than technological upgrades or additional training. It demands responsive, accountable institutions and communities empowered to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives.

As South Africa approaches the 2026 local government elections, finding new ways to strengthen municipal governance and rebuild public trust remains an urgent priority.