Leadership imperatives for local government service delivery : case of a selected local municipality inthe Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

The research study explored and assessed leadership imperatives for effective service delivery at a selected local municipality as a single case study in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Studies have been conducted on leadership, there are concerns regarding leadership competencies linked to service delivery. The study explores leadership imperatives as the intended outcome to improve local government service delivery. The study further explores key service delivery issues which confront the leadership at the selected municipality. A qualitative research paradigm guided the study to achieve the objectives of the research. A single case study research method was adopted and open-ended interviews were conducted with the targeted population. The target population of the study comprised the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) manager, ward councillor, traditional leadership and residents. The findings arising from the analysis of the qualitative results could be used to address service delivery challenges confronted by the local government leadership and the communities within this region. The establishment of corrective measures could achieve improved municipal administration and mutual understanding between the municipal leadership and the communities. The recommendations support the selected municipality to achieve effective leadership for service delivery, improve public confidence in the leadership and further contribute towards the discourse in the field of public administration.