An investigation into the roles of the community structures in the enhancement of community participation in service delivery: a case of Ngulumbi Village in the Limpopo Province

Abstract

This study is an investigation into the roles of the community structures m the enhancement of community participation in service delivery.

In this study I used the quantitative approach wherein purposive sampling was used because those who were selected to participate in the research had knowledge about what the structure do in the community. The selected participants had more knowledge about the phenomena that was studied. The instrument that I used in order to collect data from community structures was questionnaires, wherein they were distributed only to the selected members of the structure. Questionnaires were completed without fear because the respondents were assured of their anonymity and that confidentiality was to be maintained.

An analysis of findings indicated that there was no good relationship between the community structures and the municipality, communication was very poor that is why there was a delay in the delivery of service. It was again indicated that the community should get full participation when it comes to the selection of the structure members through democratic elections. Community is the most important client of service delivery; therefore all the involvement and participation by the community should be done fully.

The recommendations made through this study are that there should be democratic elections of the community structures by the community. There should be communication between the local municipality and the structure so that it becomes possible for the structure to play their roles in enhancing community participation in service delivery. There should be trainings so that development can be carried by people with full knowledge and skills. There should be an increase, in terms of the years, in the number of years of service within the structure members.