Conference Agenda

Problem Statement and Purpose

The past decades, we have seen several initiatives globally to reform and modernise local government (LG) service delivery systems as mechanisms to improve service delivery. Central to this has been an increasing focus on enhancing community participation in the legitimacy of decision-making processes of LG service delivery systems. Supported by several studies, service delivery systems with participatory elements of interaction yield benefits such as an increase in the overall effectiveness and efficiency of services delivered to communities (Mhlaba, 2018:154). Thus, new forms of interaction regarding service delivery among the state, civil society, communities, and the private sector are receiving attention, globally. Responsive LG service delivery systems are fundamental to enhancing such interaction to enable LG to resource service delivery beyond their institutional frameworks. Inherent to responsive LG service delivery systems is increased community participation. However, such community participation depends on its integration into the service delivery system's technical and or social systems. Despite its benefits, enhancing the effectiveness of the LG service delivery systems of South African (SAN) municipalities through community participation remains a challenge. Through the lens of transformative social innovation (TSI), this paper explores a conceptual framework for enhancing community participation in the SAN LG service delivery system.

Methodology

Through a qualitative research approach, this paper uses a literature review to explore a conceptual framework for enhancing community participation in the SAN LG service delivery systems. This literature review applied a predetermined approach to search for relevant research concerning community participation and the service delivery system to address the research aim. Through the review of peer-reviewed journal articles, published research, and grey literature, an inductive approach is applied in this paper.

Findings

Limitations faced by the South African LG concerning community participation in some service delivery systems include, amongst others (i) difficulties in creating mutual trust between LG officials and communities, (ii) challenges of integrating community participation in co-producing service delivery and, (iii) perceptions that LG has no regard for community participation in service delivery (Lizarralde & Massyn, 2008; Ngo, 2016:20; Matamanda & Chinozvina, 2020:2). Research shows there has been a growing need to address the overarching gap existing between LG and communities concerning their participation in the LG service delivery system.

Proposals

This paper proposes four variables towards enhancing community participation in the LG service delivery system. A citizen-centric governance system (first variable) is the foundation for enhancing community participation in responsive service delivery. The service delivery system (second variable) sets out interlinked functions that enable LG to deliver services timeously, effectively and efficiently through the use of transformative social innovation (TSI) (third variable), which challenges, alters, or replaces dominant institutions. Enhancing a citizen-centric LG service delivery system (fourth variable) requires a governance system underpinned by TSI to foster community participation.

References

Beyers, L.J.E. & Schutte, N.E. 2018. Guidelines for Improving Infrastructure Development in the Rural Communities of Bushbuckridge. Stud Tribes Tribals, 6(1-2), 33-39.

Lizarralde, G., & Massyn, M. 2008. Unexpected negative outcomes of community participation in low-cost housing projects in South Africa. Habitat International, 32(1), 1-14.

Maluleka, T. 2011. Evaluation of the impact of scarcity of water in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality in Mpumalanga: A case study of Islington and Clare B Villages. Unpublished Masters dissertation, Faculty of Management & Law, University of Limpopo.

Matamanda, A.R. & Chinozvina, Q.L. 2020. Driving forces of citizen participation in Urban Development Practice in Harare, Zimbabwe. Land Use Policy, 99 (2020), 1-16.

Mhlaba, J.Q. 2018. The impact of leadership and management capacity on municipal service delivery in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. Unpublished PhD thesis, Durban University of Technology, Department of Management Sciences (Business Administration).

Ngo, H.V. 2016. Community participation in urban housing and infrastructure upgrading projects in Vietnam. PhD submission. Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Ubisi, S.V., Khumalo, P. & Nealer, E.J. 2019. Provision of adequate housing through cooperative government and intergovernmental relations in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. Ife Centre for Psychological Studies/Services, 17(2), 13355-13369.

Problem Statement and Purpose

This research aims to explore the barriers to digital inclusion in service delivery in South Africa and identify potential solutions for ensuring that these services are accessible to all citizens. Digital inclusion and accessibility are critical issues that affect millions of people worldwide. Ensuring that everyone has equal access to digital services is essential for social and economic development, and it is a fundamental human right. Many studies have explored this phenomenon, and several review studies have been published. However, there has been no report on the comprehensive analysis of the trends and key findings of these review articles. Despite the progress in addressing digital inclusion, there is still a considerable knowledge gap regarding how local governments can ensure that digital services are accessible to all citizens. This research aims to address this gap by exploring the barriers to digital inclusion in South Africa. The rationale for this research is to contribute to the ongoing debate about digital inclusion and accessibility in service delivery. By identifying the barriers to digital inclusion and exploring potential solutions, this research aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.

Methodology

To address the main aim, the study will employ the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and identify relevant literature based on predefined inclusion criteria through a comprehensive search of multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies focusing on digital inclusion in service delivery in South Africa will be included.

Findings

The study found that despite the profound benefits of digital inclusion in service delivery, existing challenges include 1) lack of access to the necessary devices, such as computers or smartphones, to access digital services; 2) unreliable internet access, either due to cost or lack of infrastructure in some area; 3) lack the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively navigate and use digital services; 4) digital services are not always available in the country’s eleven official languages, making it difficult for citizens to access the services; and 5) citizens may not aware of the digital services that are available to them.

Proposals

In order to improve access to digital services, there is need to 1) provide resources to help citizens gain access to affordable internet services, such as subsidies for low-income families; 2) provide training programs to help marginalized groups improve their digital literacy and skills, making it easier for them to access and use digital services; 3) create partnerships with community organizations to help citizens access and utilize digital services effectively; 4) raise awareness about the importance of digital services and how they can benefit citizens, encouraging them to take advantage of available resources.

References

Kenneth, N. (2023). Embedding the fourth industrial revolution (4ir) in south african municipalities: challenges and prospects. The International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention, 10(05), 7890-7894. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsshi/v10i05.05

Mohale, C. (2024). The role of e-government in the promotion of municipal service delivery in south africa. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 7(3), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v7i3.1992

Wamuyu, P. (2017). Closing the digital divide in low-income urban communities: a domestication approach. Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Skills and Lifelong Learning, 13, 117-142. https://doi.org/10.28945/3885

Problem Statement and Purpose

The adoption of the principles of New Public Management by many economies across

the world was invariably accompanied by democratic participatory. It is generally

accepted that democratic participation optimises the allocation of basic services in Local Government. However, there is no sufficient democracy participation lead to lack of acountability and transparancy, misappropriation of scarce resources, mistrust of elected officials by the electorate, poor service provisioning and violent public service delivery protests across municipalities in South Africa. As a result, in many

instances, officials take decisions prior to engaging communities and there is no feedback given (Mphahlele, 2013) .Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Local Economic Development (LED) as power-twins to respond to Local Government challenges in South Africa.

Methodology

Inspired by pragmatism paradigm, the study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques to examine the congruence between IDP and LED in one metropolitan municipalities in South Africa. Therefore, the mixed-method of data collection was the most suitable method to utilise to examine the relationship between the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Local Economic Development. This method enabled the researcher to analyse the primary data qualitatively and quantitatively (Creswell, 2014). The qualitative approach incorporated interviews and questionnairesThe article draws on data that were gathered through the sequential mixed method research approach in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.

Findings

The views expressed during this study has shown that the majority of respondents agreed that there is a link between LED and IDP due to various factors. Some of the key factors in this study were Community-Based Programmes, budget hearings, Izimbizo and mayoral roadshows to engage various stakeholders to promote socio-economic development of the local community. From the findings, it has also been established that eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality have participation of local communities in the municipal programmes anactivities is one of the most important elements of New Public Management (NPM) which encourages participatory planning through democratic structures (Munzhedzi, 2021, p. 3) .

Proposals

Taken together, the municipality and other stakeholders should recognise the importance of the IDP and LED in order to achieve eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s vision 2030. An implication of this is the possibility that without the interconnection of the two tools, the goals and objectives of the municipality cannot be obtained in accordance with the Municipal Systems Act of 2000. The evidence from this study suggests that the government and all relevant stakeholders should align the LED projects with the IDP in addressing the socio-economic challenges in

society.

References

Mphahlele, E. 2013. “Nothing About Us, Without Us”- An Assessment of Public Participation in the Delivery of RDP Houses in the Elias Motswaledi Local Municipality. MPA Thesis.Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University.

Munzhedzi, P. H. (2021). An evaluation of the application of the new public management principles in the South African municipalities. Journal of Public Affairs, 21(1), 1-8.

Problem Statement and Purpose

There is pronounced international debate about how best governments can tackle the issue of spatial inequality. In South Africa, the local government sphere presents one of the most visible examples of how historically deliberate geographical under-development has created modern spatial inequalities. Local government in South Africa is designed as perhaps one of the most egalitarian governance systems in the world. Constitutionally grounded and further articulated in the White Paper on Local Government (WPLG, 1998) local government in South Africa is designed to reflect the key tenets of an “ideal municipality”.

The concept of the ‘ideal’ South African municipality was first introduced into South African municipal parlance in the WPLG. This vision is based on a developmental transformative local government that is committed to working with communities and citizens to find sustainable ways to ‘meet their social, economic, and material needs and improve the quality of their lives. Twenty-five years on, has the ideal municipality as envisioned by local government founding document been forthcoming? This article examines the state of transformational spatial development as provided for by the WPLG. To do so, it asks the central question: has the WPLG succeeded in transforming local communities struggling under the historical legacy of Apartheid Spatial Planning.?

Methodology

Using reports, datasets from government databases and articles, it undertakes a qualitative literature analysis to provide an assessment of the WPLG transformation promise using three indicators representing 3 of the ideal municipality provision: Service Delivery, Governance and Local Economic Development.

Findings

The service delivery survey showed that the poorest (informal settlements and rural areas) communities in South Africa express the strongest levels of dissatisfaction with services. Lastly the study concludes that weak governance structures have betrayed the spatial equality aspirations of the white paper through the culture of deteriorating municipal accountability to citizens. The result is poor compliance with legislation which in turn stymies the realisation of the “ideal municipality” which is central to the objectives of the white paper. This study holds significance for comparative discourse and research, especially where historically, certain communities have been deliberately segregated and deprived.

Proposals

The article argues that developing appropriate intervention strategies within the present developmental local government milieu presents a service delivery quandary. This is because on the one hand, despite the principle of equitable distribution, the current design of local government has perpetuated inequity in the allocation of public resources. This is because service delivery in areas with economic potential tend to overshadow areas with least tax contributions. In this case citizens in local wards are unable to fund viable economic and service delivery alternatives.

References

Drewes, J. E., M. van Aswegen, and M. Richter. "Towards more resilient cities: land use and urban efficiency." ARCHive-SR 2, no. 1 (2018): 12-12.

Du Plessis, Danie J. "Land-use mix in South African cities and the influence of spatial planning: Innovation or following the trend?" South African Geographical Journal= Suid-Afrikaanse Geografiese Tydskrif 97, no. 3 (2015): 217-242.

Khumalo, Sakhile MS, Syanda A. Mthuli, and Nikita Singh. "Economic development through the local informal economy in sustaining livelihoods: The case of the rural coastal town of Mtubatuba." Journal of Public Administration 54, no. 4-1 (2019): 772-789.