Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Municipal councillors have a statutory and moral obligation to perform an
oversight function over all municipal functions and ensure that suitable corrective measures
are taken to deepen local democracy.
AIM : The aim of this study was to determine whether municipal councillors succeed in their
oversight role to deepen democracy in the local sphere of government.
SETTING : The study was conducted among a sample of local, district, and metropolitan
municipalities in South Africa.
METHODS : An online-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from four target
groups, namely chairpersons of Section 79 oversight committees (T1), chairpersons of standing
and/or portfolio committees (T2), chairpersons of provincial Standing Committees on Public
Accounts (T3) and local government experts (T4).
RESULTS : It was found that councillors are relatively ill-prepared to conduct their oversight
responsibilities although adequate statutory prescripts and oversight mechanisms and
structures are in place.
CONCLUSION : Focused capacity-building programmes are required to enhance the competencies
of councillors in conducting their oversight role and thereby to deepen democracy in the local
sphere of government.
CONTRIBUTION : The research shows that municipal councillors do not have the necessary
capacity and tools to perform their oversight role and recommends appropriate strategies and
practices to improve the effectiveness of councillors in conducting oversight roles.
