Assessment of oversight mechanisms to enhance good governance in local government: a case study of Okhahlamba Local Municipality.

Abstract

The 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (RSA, 1996) establishes chapter 9 institutions as mechanisms to safeguard good governance and quality service delivery in the public sector. The main objective of the research reported in this study was to assess the roles of oversight mechanisms in enhancing good governance in local government with specific reference to oKhahlamba Local Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal province (KZN). The main aim was to contribute to theoretical knowledge in terms of the roles that are played by the oversight structures to regulate and increase service delivery impact in local government. Qualitative data methodology was considered in collecting data from the sample of 12 municipal officials. The findings suggested that the oKhahlamba Local Municipality has successfully implemented oversight structures, however the lack of public participation in the municipal affairs was a concerning matter. The findings further confirmed that oversight structures at oKhahlamba Local Municipality were imperative to assist the municipality manage resources effectively in order to benefit maximum service delivery to the local populace. These findings were also confirmed by Public Value Theory that was adopted in the· study. In terms of this theory (Public Value), oversight mechanisms enhance the value and entrench good governance in the public sector and entrench. The study submitted recommendations that are instrumental to boost service delivery capacity of the local government sphere and general, and uKhahlamba Local Municipality in particular. For example, the study recommended the monitoring and evaluation of service delivery systems in local government in order to mitigate violent service delivery protests. It also recommended the renovation of public participation strategies at Okhahlamba Locai Municipality.