This dissatisfaction is often expressed through protests about poor service delivery, especially in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic and urban hub. The reality is that local municipalities will continue to play a central role in South Africa’s democratic future. The Round 9 survey by Afrobarometer showed notable declines in South Africans’ trust in institutions, political participation and satisfaction with democracy. Only 25% of respondents reported that they trust local government councils “somewhat” or “a lot”. The auditor general’s annual reports make the connection that poor financial control in municipalities is not just an abstract failure, but directly undermines service delivery.