This Learning Brief distils the lessons surrounding evidence-based governance and decision making that have emerged from the delivery of Future Cities South Africa (FCSA) programme funded by UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The document is informed by the municipal and FCSA experience in three cities— Johannesburg, eThekwini/Durban and Cape Town—where the programme was delivered. The document should offer valuable insights on data-driven urban management and governance to other South Africa cities, international development agencies, government and civil society stakeholders, as well as future delivery partners of FCDO programmes.