The role of ward committee members in local government and administration in South Africa with reference to the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipal

Abstract

This research study deals with the role of ward committee members in local government and administration in South Africa with reference to the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM). Most importantly, the transformation of local government and administration in South Africa and the role of the state as well as local government from the public administration perspective in this study highlight the importance of municipal regulatory framework and policies in decision-making. There are two scientific research methodologies called qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In this research project, the qualitative research methodology has been used to assess the roles, functions and performance of ward committees in enhancing service delivery in the local communities. It involved collecting data, processing and analysing data to necessitate a reflection on the planning, and the structuring and execution of the research in order to comply with the demands of truth, objectivity and validity. The methodology has resulted in a research project through which the ward committee system in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) can be understood within the government service delivery programme and one that attempts to clarify the involvement of local communities and stakeholders. A hypothetical process model for ward committees in the City of Tshwane outlines and clarifies the roles and functions of ward committees in the service delivery processes. A City of Tshwane ward committee model system is proposed to promote working relationships in the municipality and efficacy in service delivery to the local communities other stakeholders by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) departments. The recommendations from the findings is that the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) should build the capacity of ward committee members through continuous training and development and consider increasing the term of office of ward committees to be concurrent with the elections of councillors and that communication, verbal and written for the local communities meetings, should be improved. Monitoring and evaluation of departments within the current performance management system of both ward committee members and local communities, holding the municipal government accountable should be included. Copyright