The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) has intensified its efforts to address persistent challenges experienced by registe
The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) has intensified its efforts to address persistent challenges experienced by registered architectural professionals in the processing of planning applications at municipalities across South Africa.
Following continuous complaints received from registered architectural professionals regarding delays, inconsistent processes, limited communication and extended turnaround times for planning submissions, SACAP engaged with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) on 20 July 2026 to identify practical interventions and strengthen collaboration towards improving municipal planning processes.
CoGTA acknowledged SACAP’s concerns regarding delays and inefficiencies in planning applications and confirmed that a business optimisation process is underway to strengthen municipal processes, improve efficiency, streamline procedures and reduce turnaround times for planning approvals. Municipalities will be required to develop action plans under CoGTA’s oversight to monitor and track improvements. SACAP President, Charles Nduku, welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed SACAP’s commitment to working with CoGTA to promote efficient, transparent and accountable municipal planning processes.
As part of the engagement, SACAP was advised that architectural professionals experiencing unresolved delays, poor communication or challenges with planning submissions may escalate their complaints to CoGTA for investigation and resolution. Vincent Rabothata, chief director: Development Planning at DCoG, emphasised the importance of efficient and consistent municipal planning systems and welcomed continued collaboration with SACAP to strengthen service delivery.
“SACAP will continue to engage with CoGTA and relevant stakeholders to monitor progress and advocate for greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in municipal planning processes. Registered professionals are encouraged to formally report unresolved challenges through the appropriate complaints channel, while SACAP will continue to provide updates on the progress of its collaboration with CoGTA”, said Toto Fiduli, SACAP Registrar
