Cooperative governance means that the three spheres of government should work together (cooperate) to provide citizens with a comprehensive package of services. The Constitution states that the three spheres have to assist and support each other, share information and coordinate their efforts.

Implementation of policies and government programmes requires close cooperation between the spheres of government, especially at executive level. For example, local government is represented in the National Council of Provinces, the Financial and Fiscal Commission and the Budget Council where the Minister of Finance discusses the proposed budget with provincial and local government.

Since 2009, ministries have been created within the presidency to strengthen long-term planning and performance monitoring. Ministries have been set up by different presidencies to address special issues like the electricity crisis, gender equality and youth employment. The National Planning Commission develops long-term planning for the economic and social development of South Africa.

The Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act passed in 2009, enables parliament to exercise its true oversight role – and empowers the legislature to influence the budget directly.

The different spheres of government depend on each other for support in project implementation, and regular communication is essential. For example, when a municipality proposes the development of a new township in its integrated development plan, health and education services have to be provided by provincial government.

Water services have to be provided by national government, and finances for housing development have to be transferred from national to provincial government from where it goes to the housing developers approved by the municipality.