The impact of local government restructuring on the functioning of the Kai !Garib Local Municipality

𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 The ultimate aim of government is to act on behalf of the citizens they serve. In doing so, governments have to render basic services and create an environment in which citizens can initiate endeavours to improve their living conditions. Government in South Africa was transformed in 1994 and the post 1994 government has since had the challenging task of providing services to citizens and eradicating the legacy of a previous system, characterised by disparities. / As far as direct responsibility for service rendering is concerned, local government has a particularly meaningful role, because it is the sphere of government people relate to most easily. In order to be able to meet the increasing challenges of governance, local government also underwent fundamental changes. 5 December 2000 heralded a new era for local government in South Africa, with the transformation of local government leading to the number of municipalities in the country being reduced from more than 800 to 284. These changes meant that many formerly independent municipalities have amalgamated to form new municipal organisations. Change in organisations invariably leads to conflict that, if not sufficiently dealt with can have a negative impact on the functioning of an organisation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of local government restructuring on municipalities with specific reference to the Kai !Garib Local Municipality in the Northern Cape. The study focuses on aspects such as the historical development of local government in South Africa, the legislative framework for the new system of local government in the country as well as the need for efficient organisational structures as a means to deal with potential ill effects of the restructuring of local government. Finally, empirical research is conducted at the Kai ! Garib Local Municipality in order to determine the views of role players in the Municipality, and finding solutions to potential problem areas. ___________________________________________________________________