In this mini-dissertation, a study is undertaken for an investigation into the Executive Mayoral System with reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The mini-dissertation comprises of five chapters. The study is based on the assumption that the introduction of an executive mayoral system will enhance the decision-making and policy-making processes at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. This is also based on the assumption that all local authorities and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality in particular are faced with challenges of developmental local government. The Executive Mayoral System, therefore, is expected to provide possible solutions and avenues to promote and improve socio-economic development and service delivery to strengthen the local tax base. Another challenging aspect is the capacity building for the staff members of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality especially the Executive Mayor who has all the powers vested in him. The main objectives of the research include, inter alia, to provide a brief theoretical background explanation regarding the reasons for the existence of local authorities and restructuring of local government in South Africa. To investigate and report on the implementation of the new mandate for local government with reference to the Executive Mayoral System at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. To investigate whether the Executive Mayoral System at the NMMM will contribute towards efficient and effective service delivery. This will be followed by the impact of the Metropole to promote and encourage community involvement on all the programmes of the municipality. This investigation will ensure that the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality provides conducive environment for socio-economic development and achieve the national economic strategy under Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) policy. To bring about experiences from other countries and learn from those experiences based on their approach to the Executive Mayoral System. An overview of the legislative framework and an explanation of selected policies for the Executive Mayoral System are made. Finally, a number of conclusions that were arrived during the study, followed by various recommendations are made. These are based on the qualitative research analysis in order to come up with solutions of ensuring sustainable service delivery with the Executive Mayoral System.