Factors impeding performance management of municipalities in the western cape, South Africa

Abstract

This study focuses on the various factors that have a negative effect on performance management within the municipalities of the Western Cape as identified by the provincial Department of Local Government and the Auditor General. The research attempts to validate these findings and identify additional factors influencing effective performance management in the municipalities in the Western Cape. The Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000) places a legal obligation on local municipalities to establish, develop and implement a performance management system. It further suggests that the system must be devised in such a way that it may serve as an early warning indicator of underperformance. Distinguishing the inhibiting factors to effective municipal performance management may increase the level of effectiveness of service delivery to the community. The research was conducted in the Western Cape province of South Africa and included all categories of municipalities in the province. The data collection relied on the completion of e-mail surveys and targeted municipal and Integrated Development Planning (IDP) managers, irrespective of the category of the municipality. Each municipality was provided with an electronic copy of a descriptive-based questionnaire. The questionnaire followed the positive approach and made use of closed and open ended questions during the survey. The study recognised and validated factors which have an effect on the management of performance of the municipalities in the Western Cape. Factors presented as obstacles for effective performance were found not to be justified in the research study. However, the findings arising from the research confirmed the assertion that having the correct systems, policies and processes in place is not a guarantee for effective municipal performance management. How these systems, policies and processes are implemented, managed and used to effect enhanced performance management is a greater obstacle than just having the correct or prescribed performance management system. The results arising from the research found that there are more intricate characteristics related to municipal performance management than those dictated by legislation and recommended by the literature with specific reference to the municipalities located in the Western Cape province of South Africa.