Co-production of trust for effective local governance: a case study of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Jakoet-Salie, Amina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public participation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Local government -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20297 , vital:29227
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to establish whether co-production of public services will lead to trust in service delivery and ultimately to trust in government, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). Furthermore, this research investigatedthe fundamental reasons for the mistrust in government, in lieu of the ongoing service delivery protests and officials who are at times not held accountable for their actions. This study acknowledges that there is an underlying problem of lack ofpublic participation and co-production at the sphere of local government.This research is solely based on the assumption thatif co-production is non-existent or problematic and if communities lose trust in the performance of municipalities, any attempts by the government to address these challenges relating to effective governance would be ineffective.The studyprovidesan in-depth theoretical review on co-production, public participation, citizen engagement and trust, with reference to both the national and international context. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches to validate the research questions and authenticate the problem statement. The triangulation approach allowed the researcher to effectively engage the strengths of both research methodologies. The research findings from the empirical survey were statistically analysed using statistical procedures. The data analysis, derived from the qualitative research approach, involved thematic content analysis. The sample populations for the study comprised councillors selected senior officials and ward committee members. For the quantitative approach, questionnaires were employed for the councillors and the officials. Focus group interviews were conducted with ward committee members as the qualitative component of the study. The findings of the study revealed that as a result of communities’ increasing lack of trust and confidence in local government, service delivery protests are increasing.The study further indicated thatcommunities in the NMBM are generally not well informed about the development plans of the municipality and do not adequately participate in local government activities.The findings from the focus group interviewsconcluded that the working relationship between the ward councillors and ward committee members was somewhat strained and this could have a negative impact on service delivery and ultimately trust levels.Recommendations emanating from the empirical survey and focus group interviews are presented to promote public participation and co-production which essentially could lead to an increase in trust in local government. Legislative prescriptions require that communitiesshould actively participate in the decision-making processes at the local sphere of government. In this regard, a normative model is proposed to further enhance this requirement.
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- Date Issued: 2018
An assessment of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's local government turnaround strategy : a governance perspective
- Authors: Jakoet-Salie, Amina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Business planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020143
- Description: This study assessed the Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS), from a governance perspective, in addressing service delivery challenges in local government, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The research study comprises six chapters. The research is based on the assumption that one of the biggest challenges facing most municipalities in South Africa is lack of universal access to water and electricity, sanitation, refuse removal systems and local economic development. As a result of these challenges, the NMBM has implemented the NMBM Turnaround Strategy so that it can fulfill its constitutional developmental mandate conferred on it by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. The research study provided a brief historical background on the development and transformation of local government in South Africa. This research adopted both the quantitative and qualitative approaches. The purpose of the research study was to describe and explore the 2009 Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS) with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The evaluation of the LGTAS of the NMBM will therefore be fundamentally descriptive, but highly exploratory in nature. The empirical survey was employed for purposes of the study and the interpretation of the research findings were analysed and described. As a metropolitan municipality, the NMBM has been entrenched with a responsibility to promote developmental progression within its locality (Integrated Development Plan: 2007). This research also identified the strengths and the weaknesses of the LGTAS as it is regarded as critical in successful service delivery. It is envisaged that this research will assist the NMBM, and other municipalities’ country-wide, to identify challenges that they are faced with and deal with it accordingly in terms of the objectives identified in the LGTAS. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting sustainable development within the NMBM as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings primarily from the literature review and empirical survey, on how the existing status quo of the NMBM can be changed to enhance service delivery and be aligned to the Batho Pele principles. If these recommendations are adopted, the NMBM will be able to deal more effectively and efficiently with the developmental obstacles it currently faces.
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- Date Issued: 2014