Implementing performance management in local governance in South Africa : case study of West Rand District Municipality

Abstract

The post-1994 era proclaimed a period of transition for municipalities in South Africa. Within the sphere of local government, performance management has been identified as a tool for promoting accountability. Together with strategic planning, benchmarking and continuous improvement, performance measurement forms the nucleus for managing for results in any sphere of government. The aim of this article is to assess the degree to which performance management has been implemented at the West Rand District Municipality. The West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) is a Category C Municipality, located on the South Western edge of Gauteng Province of South Africa. WRDM comprises four local municipalities namely, Mogale City, Merafong City, Randfontein and Westonaria. The stratified sampling approach was used in selecting the respondents that participated in the questionnaires. The article recommends that, performance management needs to be strengthened such that it measures the actual delivery of services and a formal performance management system needs to be designed. Also, as part of strengthening governance, local government through the councillors should report regularly to communities they serve. Though there is alignment in the process of planning, implementation and performance management, the conclusion of this article is that the systems for monitoring remain a challenge that needs to be addressed by local government.