Cape's Bid for More Control

DRAFT PLAN: PUSHES FOR DEVOLUTION OF POWERS FROM NATIONAL TO LOCAL GOVT

- Liesl Peyper

Cape Town is doubling down on its push for the devolution of key service functions—policing, rail, and ports—from national to metro-level control.

In its recently released 25-year draft development plan, the city argues that it requires greater autonomy to deliver services more efficiently and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.

In a media release announcing the publication of the 25-year plan, Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis noted that the city aims to have "more control" over the regional economy by 2028, through collaboration with provincial and national government on key priorities such as expanded city-level policing powers, control of passenger rail, reforms to manage small harbours, and private-sector-led improvements to the Port of Cape Town and development of an inland port.

The plan emphasizes that devolution of powers from national to local government level is critical for integrated planning and more effective urban governance.

Strengthening police powers Cape Town has welcomed the proposed amendments to the South African Police Service (Saps) Act, which are expected to be tabled later this year.