This article focuses on the role of the local sphere of government in the alleviation of poverty and inequality in South African communities. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 imposed developmental duties on municipalities as the local sphere of government. Programmes for the alleviation of poverty and inequality include the provision of a safety net in the form of social assistance; provision of basic services; and empowering individuals and communities to support themselves. Critical aspects of programme implementation through the local sphere of government could be impacted on by challenges of capacity gaps, lack of communication and co-ordination as each municipality develops its own Integrated Development Plan (IDP), taking into account local factors and emphasising different goals to suit the needs of its community. The government's discussion paper Towards an Anti-Poverty Strategy for South Africa refe