About
CMRA

The Centre for Municipal Research and Advice (CMRA) is a specialist firm in project management and advisory services, dedicated to strengthening local government across Southern Africa. Founded in October 2005 as a joint initiative of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and International Cooperation Agency of the Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), CMRA transitioned in 2019 into a 100% South African-owned company, championed by its current Managing Director and a team of young, dynamic, and highly skilled professionals.

We co-create solutions that drive systemic and institutional reform within municipalities, combining strategic partnerships, international best practices, and innovative problem-solving to build capable and responsive local government. Our work increasingly spans areas of growing municipal priority: municipal planning, financial planning, revenue enhancement, energy security, climate resilience, infrastructure development, and digitalisation.

With nearly two decades of experience, strong global linkages, and a proven track record across Southern Africa, CMRA is a trusted partner to municipalities, from ideation and resource mobilisation through to execution and lasting impact.

Our Vision

A trusted partner to local government in Southern Africa enabling sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities, one municipality at a time.

Our Mission

To be a cutting-edge, agile consulting firm dedicated to strengthening local government from within, through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and capacity building for sustainable development.

CMRA Leadership

Masasani Eve Chavalala

A seasoned urban planner and project management specialist with over 18 years of experience leading complex, multiyear programmes across Southern Africa. She took the helm of CMRA in 2019, transitioning it into a 100% South African-owned firm and steering its growth into one of the country's most respected local government advisory practices... Read more

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Managing Director
PhD Candidate — The University of the Free State (Doctoral Scholarship)

Masasani.
Eve Chavalala

Education

PhD Candidate in Sustainability — The University of the Free State (current)
Masters of Urban Planning — University of Pretoria
Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning with Honours — University of Pretoria
Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management — Regent Business School
Certificate in Programme Management — University of Cape Town
Certificate in Just Energy Transition — National School of Government, in partnership with the South African Cities Network & GIZ

Areas of Expertise

Donor-funded project & programme management
Municipal planning, governance & institutional development
Climate change planning & Climate Change Act domestication
Post-mining town transitions & spatial sustainability
Stakeholder engagement & intergovernmental relations
Research, proposal development & resource mobilisation