Conclusion

With the rapid urbanisation characterising Global South cities, cities are confronted with a myriad of socio-economic and environmental challenges that are increasing in intensity and frequency. There are mounting protests by communities over the lack of service delivery, cases of misgovernance and corruption in public and private institutions, climate change-induced disasters and disease epidemics. While some cities are still grappling with the legacies of the inequalities of the colonial/apartheid government systems, these serious challenges exacerbate the already grim living conditions of the residents, especially those residing in poor neighbourhoods. In this context, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a growing challenge in most Global South cities. Here many individuals and communities continue to be ‘left behind’ by the inability of their governments to make substantial progress in meeting the SDGs. Understanding the progress made towards the respective SDGs is critical, hence this chapter summarises the key findings and emerging issues using the case of Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM). Our focus is on the nexus between urban health and the SDGs. This relationship is multifaceted, as the SDGs are dynamic and cross-cutting; consequently, difficult to monitor or generalise the progress on the respective indicators and targets. Despite the complex relationship between SDGs and urban health, progress is being made in some areas, while some areas still fall behind.