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Programme evaluation is a critical management tool internationally, enabling the assessment of whether public sector policy objectives are effectively met. In South Africa, such evaluations are essential for refining governance strategies in response to persistent urban challenges. This paper arises from a programme evaluation of inner-city turnaround initiatives aimed at addressing urban decay and problem buildings. It seeks to develop a normative public management model, with a focus on the role of city governments and municipalities in leading regeneration efforts. A qualitative research design was adopted, employing thematic content analysis to examine governance and management practices across South African municipalities. Systems theory, conceptualised within public administration and management, served as the analytical framework for interrogating the interrelated factors driving urban decline. This lens informed the construction of a normative model designed to guide coordinated municipal responses, enhance institutional capacity, and improve strategic urban planning. Findings demonstrate that systems theory offers a robust foundation for understanding and managing the complexities of inner-city environments. The paper presents a visual normative model that emphasises the critical leadership role of city governments in reversing urban deterioration. By bridging theory and practice, the study contributes to academic and practical discourses on urban governance and offers a structured, adaptable model for inner-city regeneration both locally and globally.