Municipal IQ is based on a unique methodology that combines an extensive set of socio-economic and financial factors, denoted by a range of variables, to provide a comprehensive review of the performance of individual municipalities compared to all others in the country.

The individual methodology of each index and monitor is discussed in summary on individual index and monitor pages.

Definition of metropolitan municipalities in Municipal IQ

Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekhuruleni, eThekwini, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela, and Cape Town are the only legally recognised metros in South Africa. Municipal IQ includes the municipalities of Buffalo City, Mangaung and Msunduzi in its definition of metropolitan municipalities, as they are also recognised as large cities by, among others, the South African Cities Network (SACN).