Evaluating the impact of poor-quality governance in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State Province
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Date
2024
Authors
Holeni, Rifumuni Bridget
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
In South Africa, Local Government was established as the third sphere of government with a mandated function of administering and providing basic services to all citizens, governed by specific legislative frameworks and regulations designed to ensure good governance practices. Despite these prescripts and guidelines, it was noted that the widespread occurrence of poor governance practices within Local Government had significantly hindered the ability to function effectively, leading to negative consequences for Local Government, citizens and the country.
Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of poor-quality governance within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) in the Free State Province of South Africa. The literature review examined the factors and challenges that contribute to poor governance and its implications for MMM and the provision of service delivery.
In addition, the study concentrated on a desk-based research method that utilised qualitative and quantitative secondary data. MMM has encountered substantial governance challenges marked by leadership instability, rapid urbanisation, corruption, inefficiency and lack of transparency. These challenges have resulted in inadequate service delivery, financial
instability within the Municipality, and widespread distrust among citizens toward municipal authorities.
The analysis revealed a direct correlation between the quality of governance and the quality of the output, which is service delivery. The findings presented a concerning view of an organisation that is not fully functional and fails to comply with the key principles of good governance, as outlined by the legal framework for Local Government and good governance metrics. The findings of the study revealed that poor governance practices in MMM have led to ineffective policy implementation, financial instability, the absence of performance management systems, unethical behaviour, institutional inefficiencies, and inadequate cooperative governance. Additionally, the study emphasised the lack of community participation, which has caused growing dissatisfaction and a loss of faith in municipal governance. This erosion of trust is reflected in the increase in protests.
The findings of the study further revealed that the impact of poor governance extends beyond MMM to affect the entire country. Poor governance has left MMM in a fragile financial state, resulting in an unstable liquidity position that prompted Moody's to downgrade MMM’s rating in August 2019. MMM is also grappling to fulfil its short-term obligations and manage
the expenses associated with the delivery of service. Additionally, poor governance has resulted in a decline in municipal revenue collection, rising debt levels, and unsatisfactory audit outcomes.
Considering the findings, the researcher recommended strategic actions to improve governance within MMM. These encompass the professionalising of Local Government, implementing robust anti-corruption measures, strengthening financial oversight and sustainability, increasing community involvement in decision-making, conducting capacity building initiatives for municipal staff, and leadership evolution to effectively implement good governance practices.
The study concluded by suggesting that addressing the factors and challenges leading to poor governance in MMM could pave the way for implementing good governance, restoring public confidence, improving service delivery, and promoting sustainable economic growth in Mangaung. Furthermore, good governance could contribute to sustainable development
by aligning with the NDP 2030 goals, positioning South Africa to become a capable and developmental state.
Description
Dissertation(M.A.(Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2024
Keywords
Governance, Good governance, Poor governance, Evaluation, Impact, Quality