Evaluating the impact of governance on service delivery in the Zululand District: towards a good governance efficiency model.

Abstract

Municipalities in South Africa face significant governance challenges that undermine service delivery. These challenges arise despite an extensive legal framework that promotes good governance. The Zululand District Municipality exemplifies this local government crisis due to its inefficiencies in financial management, accountability, public participation, and provision of essential services such as water and sanitation. This study investigates how adherence to good governance principles can enhance service delivery efficiency by developing a governance efficiency model tailored to the realities of the Zululand District Municipality. The study employs a qualitative research design and draws on semi-structured interviews with municipal officials, policymakers, and community stakeholders, alongside an analysis of municipal reports and legislative frameworks. Data was analysed using thematic analysis and coding techniques to identify recurring governance challenges and best practices. This approach ensures a comprehensive examination of governance inefficiencies and their impact on service delivery outcomes. Findings reveal that governance failures such as inadequate financial oversight, lack of transparency, and political interference significantly hinder service delivery. The study also identifies public participation and accountability mechanisms gaps and explains how these impede service delivery. The study concludes that addressing these issues requires a structured governance framework that fosters collaboration among key stakeholders, strengthens institutional capacity, and ensures compliance with governance principles. This study makes a novel theoretical contribution by integrating good governance, public value, and agency theories to develop a governance efficiency model. The model proposes a collaborative governance approach that enhances accountability, transparency, and stakeholder participation to improve municipal service delivery. Unlike existing governance frameworks, this model prioritises adaptive governance mechanisms to address the unique challenges of the Zululand District Municipality. The proposed governance efficiency model offers a structured approach for the municipality and its counterparts to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate governance risks, and improve service delivery outcomes. It provides policymakers with actionable insights on fostering accountability and civic engagement while ensuring compliance with governance standards. If adopted, this model has the potential to transform service delivery by promoting institutional resilience and governance sustainability.