I. Introduction In the context of South African governance, local government is the executive agent of the national and provincial government, the responsibility of local government is to provide sustainable services to the community. However in recent years we have seen many boycotts in service delivery in South Africa as a failure to deliver basic services at the local government level. The municipality's poor governance and lack of community development, along with participation, have resulted in complaints from community members. However, the main focus of the government is to provide services to community members. The fundamental key is to provide good quality services efficiently and effectively and also take into account the issue of social responsibility. The lives of community members need to be developed because the local government has an idea of ​​what community members need due to its governance structure at the grassroots level. Local government development needs well-established policy frameworks in order to promote community development and good governance. The policies formulated should be implemented and implemented well. In South African politics, there are issues around governance and accountability, due to the lack of accountability on the part of political office holders. In this discussion the focus will be on the role of local government in providing basic services, the importance of improving the quality of life of community members, the development of local government in South Africa. Furthermore the study will address the challenges facing local government in South Africa and the importance of good governance in the context of South African local government.II. The role of local government in... middle of paper ......national and provincial legislation is enforced in its area• Develop plans, policies and strategies and set delivery targets• Prepare and implement budgets• Provide services municipal services to their community or outsource services to others • Monitor the provision of these community services • Promote development and a safe and healthy environment • Enforce recovery of any charges applicable to members • Pass and implement laws This act emphasizes that the municipality should have a strong relationship with community members so that there is guidance on issues relating to the provision of services and their cost. This is an imperative documentation for local government on governance and political office holders and local authorities must implement the contents of this law to promote good governance to provide service delivery effectively and efficiently