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Service Delivery Protests In South African Municipalities: Trends, Factors, Impacts And Recommendations

Author

Listed:
  • JOHN MAMOKHERE

    (Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Polokwane, South Africa)

  • FRANCE KHUTSO LAVHELANI KGOBE

    (Institute for Social Development, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa)

Abstract

This paper examines the trends, impact and factors contributing to service delivery protests in South African local municipalities. Service delivery protests have become a frequent occurrence in the country, with communities expressing dissatisfaction with the quality and accessibility of basic services. The paper identifies lack of basic services, poor service quality, corruption and mismanagement, ineffective communication, unresponsive officials, socio-economic inequality, and political factors as contributing to service delivery protests. The paper draws on existing literature and reports to analyse each of these factors and highlight their impact on service delivery protests. Different databases like Google, Google Scholar, Scopus, AOSIS, ProQuest, and university repositories are utilised to search data. Themes were developed and used to search the data until completion. Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) approach was applied. Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory was adopted to understand the factors contributing to service delivery protests. In conclusion, service delivery protests in South African municipalities can have significant negative impacts on socio-economic development. Addressing the underlying factors of these protests, such as addressing service delivery backlogs, improving governance and accountability, and increasing public participation, can help to mitigate the negative impacts on socio-economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • John Mamokhere & France Khutso Lavhelani Kgobe, 2023. "Service Delivery Protests In South African Municipalities: Trends, Factors, Impacts And Recommendations," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 10(2), pages 49-59, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:edt:jsserr:v:10:y:2023:i:2:p:49-59
    DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15254228
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Mamokhere & Daniel F Meyer, 2022. "Including the excluded in the integrated development planning process for improved community participation," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 11(4), pages 286-299, June.
    2. Peter Alexander, 2010. "Rebellion of the poor: South Africa's service delivery protests -- a preliminary analysis," Review of African Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(123), pages 25-40, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. France Khutso Lavhelani Kgobe & Magatane Tshwarelo Mashilo & Mohale Enerst Selolo & Dilo Justin Ramoshaba & Mathibedi Frank Kgarose, 2024. "Comparative analysis of selected political party manifestos in South Africa convergences, differences, and implications in public service delivery," International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), Bussecon International Academy, vol. 6(4), pages 373-383, September.
    2. John Mamokhere, 2025. "Service delivery conundrums in South African municipalities," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 7(2), pages 30-42, June.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H70 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - General
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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