Since the 2008 global financial crisis, and more recently following the COVID-19 pandemic, countries across the world have increasingly focused on strengthening governance systems as a pathway towards sustained economic growth and sustainable development. Governance is widely recognised as a critical enabler for achieving long-term development objectives. Despite this recognition, many countries continue to face persistent governance challenges, including weak institutions, political instability, deficits in trust and accountability and inadequate service delivery. These challenges highlight the need for innovative and context-sensitive governance models, including robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks that promote transparency, resilience, inclusivity, and accountability. Such reforms are essential for optimising state administration and enhancing development outcomes.

Against this backdrop, it is imperative for scholars and practitioners in Public Affairs, Public Administration, Governance and related disciplines to critically engage with questions of how improved governance can drive growth and sustainability. Furthermore, onset of a new local government election cycle. This presents a timely opportunity for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to reflect on the state of local government and to reimagine its role as a strategic anchor for growth and sustainability. After more than 25 years of democratic local governance, municipalities have become central to policy debates due to their operation within increasingly complex and rapidly changing political, economic, technological, social and environmental contexts. Understanding the micro- and macro-level forces shaping local government is therefore crucial not only for South Africa but also, particularly given global trends that position local government as a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The conference takes place from 27 September – 2 October 2026. The venue is the iNkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex ( Durban ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.