Ward based planning to improve service delivery : the case of the North West district municipalities

Abstract

Efficient and effective service delivery is essential for the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, and it is a prerequisite for sustainable development. To promote sustainable municipal services, the South African government has therefore shifted its focus to service delivery at the local and community levels. The South African National Department of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) promotes value-for-money service delivery in all municipalities and demands that they be accountable to the citizens for their stewardship. The ultimate goal of the South African public service is to provide services to all South Africans efficiently, effectively and economically, with public participation in the development of plans to promote quality services. This study focuses on service delivery by the North West province‘s municipalities. The importance of better service delivery has been highlighted by several service delivery protests in the province, for example, around Mothutlung, Majakaneng and Hebron in the Madibeng Local Municipality in the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality (BPDM). The study compares the South African local government with international countries on planning system. The comparative study provides an opportunity to identify common characteristics which may assist in improving the South African system of local government This study analyses how planning can be integrated into local government and administration, with specific reference to effectiveness and community participation in district municipalities in the North West province. Data were collected from relevant books, journals, official reports, conference proceedings, published articles, relevant government policy documents, speeches, newsletters and newspapers. A qualitative research methodology was followed to analyse alternative ways and means to improve the quality of municipal service in the North West province. Methodological, participant and interdisciplinary triangulation were applied during the data collection and analysis. To offset the risks of using personal experience, the researcher adopted the role of participant observer. The research identifies and assesses weaknesses in integrated development planning, municipal financial performance drivers and community participation, with the purpose of enhancing the provincial government‘s ability to achieve its goal of improving the quality of life of all citizens in the North West province. The study identifies challenges which are faced by district municipalities and which impede the provision of basic service delivery, particularly in districts which have mining belt areas, such as the BPDM. It also analyses integrated development planning and the current status of service delivery in the North West‘s district municipalities. The study recommends a planning framework for South African municipalities that would improve service delivery, with maximum public participation, which could reduce the number of service delivery protests. The study demonstrates that ward-based planning can improve municipal performance in the delivery of services. A new framework is proposed for planning in local government to augment existing planning mechanisms. This new framework could contribute to the effectiveness of municipal government and administration. Based on the existing theories and historical research, a new model is thus developed to enhance performance through a ward-based planning system. The ultimate goal of a ward-based planning system in government is intended to improve service delivery performance.