An analysis of the implementation of the Indigent Policy by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract

Many policies and programmes geared toward eliminating poverty have been formulated, as the government of South Africa believes that the poorest of the poor need a social safety net which all municipalities ought to provide. As part of the broader social agenda and anti-poverty strategy of South Africa, each municipality is required to develop an indigent policy. Indigent policies aim to include individuals excluded from access to basic services crucial for survival, such as water, sanitation, electricity and refuse removal. The focus of this research is to provide an analysis of the implementation of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) Indigent Policy. In order to do so, the research begins with a theoretical framework, laying down the basis of the research, as well as using the relationship between the seven dimensions of policy implementation by Bhuyan, Jorgensen and Sharma (2010:5). Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the status quo of the CTMM with regard to its indigent policy is also explored – highlighting the underlying factors that contribute to its effective implementation. The research identifies gaps in the provision of free basic social services for the marginalised population (referred to as indigents) and also highlights the challenges that the CTMM is facing pertaining to the efficient implementation of the indigent policy. This study concludes with suggestions on measures that can be put into place to improve the efficient implementation of the indigent policy. The research is significant because it provides recommendations to support the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in remedying implementation shortcomings for its indigent policy.