The Public Policy Hub (PPH) at the University of Pretoria (UP) is a beacon of innovation in addressing the pressing public problems of our time. Our mission is to bridge the gap between academic research and government policymaking, ensuring that public policies are grounded in rigorous, evidence-based research. The recent launch of the Chair in Municipal Finance at the African Tax Institute embodies this mission, aiming to tackle the unique financial challenges faced by African municipalities through strategic research and actionable policy recommendations.

Municipalities are the bedrock of local governance, and is responsible for delivering essential services such as water, waste removal, healthcare and infrastructure development. However, many African cities struggle with inefficient revenue mobilisation, which hampers their ability to meet these responsibilities. This is where the Chair in Municipal Finance steps in, focusing on property taxation, land-based revenue instruments, expenditure management and urban planning to enhance municipal financial health and service delivery.

Since the PPH’s inception, we have forged significant partnerships, including five-year memoranda of understanding with the City of Tshwane, the City of Johannesburg, and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. These collaborations underscore our commitment to co-producing transdisciplinary, policy-relevant research that addresses real-world public sector needs.

Our current research initiatives exemplify this approach. One such project is the study of the efficacy of revenue mobilisation in eight South African metros, with a focus on property tax. This research analyses existing measures in municipalities to gauge their efficiency in revenue mobilisation and provide policy recommendations to maximise property tax revenue. Property tax is a crucial source of revenue for local governments, enabling them to deliver quality services and infrastructure. By identifying best practices and areas for improvement, this project will help municipalities optimise their revenue streams and become more self-sufficient.

Why should people care about this research? Efficient revenue mobilisation is vital for the smooth functioning of local governments. Improved revenue collection leads to better service delivery, enhanced infrastructure development and an overall improved quality of life for residents. For young scholars involved in this project, this research offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy changes that have a direct impact on their communities. It bridges the gap between academic enquiry and practical implementation, fostering a new generation of researchers committed to public service.

Another critical research project investigates the relationship between local government revenue diversification and access to service delivery in the eight metropolitan municipalities in South Africa. This study aims to determine how varying revenue sources impact financial stability and access to service quality, providing insights into optimal revenue strategies for urban areas. Financial sustainability and quality service delivery are paramount for the resilience and efficiency of urban governance. By exploring the relationship between revenue diversification and municipal performance, this research will guide policymakers in developing robust financial frameworks that ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery.

The impact of these research initiatives extends beyond academia. They are designed to inform and influence public policy, providing actionable recommendations that can be integrated into existing governmental frameworks. By involving policymakers and practitioners in the research projects, we foster a collaborative environment where academic and public sector perspectives converge, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. This synergy enables the co-production of transformative policy solutions that drive sustainable development.

The PPH and the Chair in Municipal Finance are not just academic entities; they are catalysts for change. Through our demand-driven research and strategic collaborations, we aim to enhance the financial health of African municipalities, improve service delivery, and ultimately contribute to sustainable urban and rural development. We invite all stakeholders – academics, policymakers and the public – to join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can build a future where African cities are inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

Prof Nara Monkam has occupied the Chair in Municipal Finance in Africa since it was established on 1 March 2024. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Research at the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF). Her contributions to taxation in Africa include contributing as a member of the Davis Tax Committee, which evaluated the South African tax system; launching the ATAF Databank to improve tax-related data quality and accessibility across 37 African countries; establishing the African Tax Research Network (ATRN); and spearheading the bilingual Executive Master’s in Taxation (EMT) targeting tax officials on the continent.