Attracting and retaining talent: the policies of South African metros

Abstract

In a knowledge-driven global economy, the ability of cities to attract and retain high-level skills is crucial for urban competitiveness. In response, many advanced cities have adopted proactive policies to attract globally mobile talent and support innovation ecosystems. This paper examines whether and how South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities incorporate talent attraction and retention into their Integrated Development Plans and related economic strategies. Using a multidisciplinary policy framework and content analysis of municipal documents, we find limited recognition of human capital as a development driver. This omission reflects deeper challenges within existing institutional and governance arrangements, including fragmented mandates, limited planning capacity, and competing developmental priorities. We argue that more deliberate and integrated skills strategies—aligned with inclusive growth objectives—can enhance municipal effectiveness and support resilient urban development.