The overall organisational structure clearly reflects local government’s mandate — good governance, sustainable services, social and economic development, a healthy and safe environment, community participation and inclusivity.

The central administration comprises the city manager’s office with contract management, finance, corporate and community services functions reporting directly to the city manager. The city manager will interface with the political structures through the executive mayoral committee and the council.

Central distribution functions deliver services such as metropolitan police services, heritage services, emergency management services and planning services directly to citizens and consumers.

Eleven decentralized regional administrations are responsible for providing local community services such as primary health care, social services, housing, libraries and sport and recreation. By virtue of their closeness to local communities, the regional administrations are able to promote and ensure accountability and responsiveness.

The utilities (providing water and sanitation, electricity and waste management services) and agencies (providing roads and stormwater and parks and cemeteries services) are separate companies established in terms of the the Municipal Systems Act.

The Utilities, Agencies and Corporatised Entities (UAC’s), were established as autonomous companies, in terms of the Companies Act. Overall responsibility rests with a board of directors, including executive and non-executive directors. A managing director is charged with day-to-day operational responsibility. The board and managing director are responsible for developing a business plan that specifies service, revenue, service standards, customer care improvement, safety standards, environmental protection, social and economic development and new income ideas.