Devising a strategy for IT governance implementation in municipalities. A case study of South Africa

Abstract

Information technology (IT) has vastly automated business processes in South African municipalities, and the sound design and implementation of IT is key to improved service delivery. The usage of IT is reliant on the implementation of sound IT governance practices, but even with IT frameworks and directives mandated, implementation has proved to be challenging in most municipalities. This research proposes a strategic approach for the effective and viable implementation of IT governance in municipalities in South Africa. The research was carried out by conducting a targeted survey, semistructured interviews with key stakeholders, observations, and analysis of documents. Case studies of different-sized municipalities were done in order to understand the context in which they operate. Regulatory bodies also participated in the data collection. The data was coded and themes of problems identified and grouped for diagnoses. On the basis of the diagnoses, a strategy was devised to improve the implementation of IT governance in municipalities.

Challenges in Implementing ICT Tools in Water and Sanitation Services Management in South Africa

“…Several challenges are inhibiting the implementation of ICT tools on sustainable management of water and sanitation services in developing countries, which include a lack of technical skills and capabilities, insufficient intellectual property protection, and financing instruments (Ferreira et al 2020, Chipidza andLeidner (2019), Butler et al (2017), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2016). In South Africa, according to Sibanda and von Solms (2018), there is insufficient external and management support offered, limited ICT budgets, inadequate oversight activities, poor ICT control environment and poor integrated planning. There is lack of integration between ICT tool and the existing systems.…”

“…In developed countries, an estimation of 90% of people own mobile phones (The World Bank 2015, Taylor and Silver 2019) and young people spend approximately five hours per day using their mobile phones (Salesforce 2014). ICT has immensely automated business processes in municipalities in South Africa, and the sound design and implementation of ICT as most important to enhanced service delivery, including water and sanitation services (Sibanda and von Solms 2018). Apart from this, UDM and UKDM are still facing challenges in implementing ICT tools.…”