A proposed performance management system for the greater Stellenbosch municipality

Abstract

This dissertation sets out to develop a Performance Management System for the Greater Stellenbosch Municipality. It is proposed for use as a unit of analysis. The system provides a framework for determining developmental priorities and identifying the appropriate resources. The system monitors progress and simultaneously serves as an instrument that maintains municipal accountability for the delivery of its core developmental functions. Intemationall)(, an infInite number of research projects in the fIeld of performance management and best practices for organisational performance have been undertaken for local authorities. This includes a range of terms extending from the 1950's, known as benchmarking, to the current context where the balance scorecard has been put ori the performance agenda. The emphasis for increased and accountable performance of local authorities is currently on the foreground, because local authorities are now responsible for executing duties in the form of developmental outputs. This responsibility found its framework in a range of legislative obligations as found ill: • Sections 152 and 153 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), outlining the objects and developmental duties of municipalities; • Section 73 of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) that outlines the general duties of municipalities in relation to service delivery; • Chapters 4 and 6 of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) outlining, respectively, community participation and performance management procedures and systems, and • Schedules 4 and 5 parts B of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) and Section 84 of the Municipal Structures Amendments Act (Act 33 of 2000) that outlines the service portfolio of municipalities on which service standards should be developed.