The role of good governance in the provision of basic services: A case study of Collins Chabane Local Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a critical investigation of the role of good governance on the provision of basic services in Collins Chabane Local Municipality. This emanated from the realisation that whereas basic services are crucial for community’s well-being, serving as the basis for good health, stable economic conditions, and a general standard of living, it is however, worth mentioning that poor governance can impede timely provision of such services. To achieve the objectives of the study, the qualitative research methods were utilised. The research delved deeply into the interplay of good governance and basic service delivery. The interpretivist approach was considered and open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants who were purposefully selected from traditional leaders and municipal officials. The researcher employed thematic analysis to analyse the qualitative data collected. The research underscores the vital role of efficient resource management and transparency in promoting good governance and effective public service delivery. The maximizing of resources and ensuring transparent decision-making are key to addressing community needs and building trust between citizens and government institutions. The study identified these factors, along with citizen engagement, service efficiency, and equity, as essential components of good governance. The major findings were identified after the study are the following municipal performance and service delivery, accountability and transparency, community participation and challenges in service delivery such as financial constraints, corruption and mismanagement, infrastructure deficiencies and lack of skills and capacity. Based on these findings, the study recommended establishing clear norms and processes, leadership development, use of technology for service improvement, ant corruption measures and ethical conducts. Additionally, addressing the needs of marginalized groups, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and investing in capacity building for public officials are crucial steps to ensure that services are inclusive and effective. Implementing these recommendations can help governments improve the quality, fairness, and responsiveness of public services, fostering greater trust and social cohesion within communities.