An analysis of the effectiveness of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS) : the case of the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

Since 1994, development policy and practice in South Africa have evolved significantly within the local government sphere. The reduction of poverty, inequality and unemployment, as well as improved service delivery, remain some of the key focus areas for policy development and intervention in South Africa. This article examines the policy initiatives undertaken by government regarding the Local Government Turn-around Strategy (LGTAS) initiative, including past and current policies relevant to the LGTAS such as the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), the Growth, Employment and Redistribution Programme (GEAR), the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA), the New Growth Path (NGP) and the National Development Plan (NDP). The LGTAS is a response by government to restore local government’s ability to fulfil its developmental mandate as contained in the Constitution (1996). Although it can be argued that the strategy has good intentions and is well formulated, it is the implementation of the strategy that remains a challenge. The extent of success achieved through the implementation of the LGTAS, using the Fezile Dabi District Municipality (FDDM) as a case study, is investigated. The analysis includes interviews with relevant officials from FDDM, who are involved in the process, as well as an analysis of LGTAS reports of the Free State provincial administration regarding the FDDM. Results from the analysis indicate that only limited success has been achieved through the implementation of the LGTAS. This article provides some solutions to improve the implementation of the LGTAS, as well as solutions for improved service delivery at the local government sphere.