Public Private Institutional Partnerships (PPIPs) in South Africa : the case of service delivery in the health and social development sectors in the Sedibeng District Municipality

Abstract

This study is premised on a new approach in the study of Public Private Partnerships by introducing a new variable, termed the Institution. The study examines and explores the contributions of public private institutional partnerships in health and social development service delivery at the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) of South Africa. The involvement of BHP Billiton and Hollard as entities from the Private Sector, and that of the University of North West in South Africa, has proven to be an important catalyst in the unravelling of systemic quagmires towards the improvement of service delivery in the SDM. Thus, the study has shown that the PPIP has generated the much needed expertise in the provision of human resource procurements in the SDM of South Africa. At the same time, this study has adumbrated clearly that the South African government’s continuous attempts to deliver all kinds of services to the community has proven to be a worthwhile strategy. The triangular relationship of the partnership framework comprises of public, private and institutions of higher learning as an alternative service delivery (ASD) mechanism. Although it could be surmised that the private sector exists for profit, universities are responsible for teaching, research and learning as well as community outreach; and government is also expected to create the environments for the procurement and provision of public goods and services. This study has conclusively shown that there is a high probability that the relationship formed through the PPIP framework can enhance an effective, economic and efficient service delivery for the SDM and beyond. For the purposes of this study, a qualitative methodology was used by applying a triangulation approach. The study further argues that although government cannot provide all the needs and services of its people, it has been able to address to a greater extent these problematic issues by creating strategic partnerships (PPIP) with other stakeholders. In the anticipation of this relationship, leadership and commitment of stakeholders should take a critical role in facilitating the process of partnerships which will result in the formation of networks, human, economic and social capital for development. Finally, this study has shown that through dedicated sets of partnership like the PPiP approach utilized in this study, tensions between stakeholders will be reduced and well managed.