Understanding the Complex Interplay of Governance, Systematic, and Structural Factors Affecting Service Delivery in South African Municipalities

Abstract

South African municipalities have been plagued by poor service delivery, with many communities experiencing inadequate access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, and waste removal. Despite the country’s progressive constitutional and legislative frameworks, the root causes of poor service delivery are complex and multifaceted. This study aims to explore the underlying reasons for service delivery challenges in South African municipalities, specifically focusing on the interplay between poor governance and structural and systematic factors. In other words, the study aims to identify and unpack the complex interplay between governance factors (such as corruption, political interference, and lack of accountability); structural factors (such as resource constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and capacity challenges); and systematic factors (such as historical legacies of apartheid, urban-rural divides, and socio-economic inequalities). The study employs a qualitative research approach, using document analysis to gather data. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis to identify the key themes and patterns that emerged from the data. The study draws on the New Public Management and Public Choice Theories to gain insights into the factors affecting service delivery. The findings highlight poor governance, urbanisation, corruption, political-administrative interference, political instability, and internal conflicts as major contributors to service delivery challenges in South African municipalities. Lastly, the study puts forth several recommendations to address these issues, including strengthening good governance and leadership, enhancing citizen participation, improving financial management, enhancing human resource capacity, fostering intergovernmental collaboration, reducing political-administrative interference, combating corruption, and addressing the impact of rapid urbanisation to promote sustainable service delivery.

Communication of Community Related Matters to Enhance Service Delivery in a Rural Ulundi Municipality of South Africa

“…Leaders should bear in mind that a human being exists through communion with other human beings (Hlongwane et al, 2019;. Communication of this nature is encouraged because it promotes good service delivery by enabling public participation in decision-making on matters related to their needs and to hold officials accountable (Mamokhere, 2023;Masiya, Davids & Mazenda, 2019;Modise, 2017).…”

“…The point of calling such meetings would be for the transformative leadership to communicate matters that concern their constituency and contribute positively to the mandate of the local government of delivering good services (Atiku, Kurana & Ganiyu, 2023;Kalondo & Govender, 2021). In the same breath, this would allow the community to participation in decision-making on matters related to their needs and to hold officials accountable (Mamokhere, 2023;Masiya, Davids & Mazenda, 2019;Modise, 2017).…”

“…The results of this part of the survey shows the public's awareness of who should address their service delivery needs. They are aware that the established local government structures are accountable and must be transparent on service delivery matters (Mamokhere, 2023;Masiya, Davids & Mazenda, 2019;Modise, 2017;Ntsebeza, 2005;Reddy, Sing & Moodley, 2003).…”

The impact of failure to make payment behaviour on the profitability of South African municipal electricity suppliers.

“…The notion highlights the necessity for organizations such as municipalities to be more cognizant of themselves, objective, and adaptable by implementing proper contingency plans to cope with situations inside or outside the municipality's authority (Mamokhere, 2022). In addition to the systems and contingency theories, this research uses the New Public Management (NPM) paradigm.…”

Challenges of public participation in improving basic service delivery in Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa

“…South African municipalities have been plagued by poor service delivery, with many communities experiencing inadequate access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, electricity and waste removal (Mamokhere 2022). African countries, such as Lesotho and Zimbabwe, have similar challenges to public participation and service delivery (Marzuki 2015;Mapfumo 2015;Madzivanyika 2011).…”