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Local Government Capacity Development: A Case Study of a South African District Municipality

Author

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  • Matuku Mphahlele
  • Horacio Zandamela

Abstract

Bojanala Platinum District Municipality (BPDM), in the North West Province is endowed with the extractive economy. The District experiences challenges of capacity development of service delivery structures and programmes. It is in this context that this paper explains how local government responses to challenges of capacity development in the District Municipality. In addition, the paper explores ways in which they can be overcome for enhanced service delivery. The purpose of this study is to examine challenges associated with the use of capacity development structures and programmes in relation to service delivery, and explores how to overcome them. The study examines the structures and programmes, facilitators and inhibitors of skills development and performance initiatives within the context of local government capacity development. This study develops a theoretical framing incorporating scholarship on human capital and performance improvement in the context of local government. This framing is premised on the scholarly evidence that capacity development is an enabler of service delivery, influenced by skills development and municipal performance improvement. The research is a single case qualitative case study approach and employs an interpretative paradigm. The paper employs senior managers in the municipalities as the unit of analysis. The study reveals that there are difficulties associated with skills retention and organisational relations. In conclusion, political abandonment, poor communication and stakeholder engagements contribute to weakened inter-municipal co-operation and inadequate use of resources. The interface between learning and skills development contributes to the body knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Matuku Mphahlele & Horacio Zandamela, 2021. "Local Government Capacity Development: A Case Study of a South African District Municipality," Journal of Public Administration and Governance, Macrothink Institute, vol. 11(2), pages 156177-1561, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:mth:jpag88:v:11:y:2021:i:2:p:156-177
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Phumelela Talent Vezi & Ashnee Rajlal & Anos Chitamba & Regis Muchowe, 2024. "Examining the nexus between staff development practices and employee performance at a selected Municipality in KZN," International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), Bussecon International Academy, vol. 6(6), pages 91-101, December.
    2. Nhlanhla Sibusiso Malinga & Hlengiwe Nomzamo Mabizela, 2025. "Challenges, progress and lessons in the implementation of Sustainable Developmental Goal 16 to improve service delivery in local government," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 14(5), pages 348-357, July.

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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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