Effects of political-administrative interface on service delivery in the City of Johannesburg under the coalition government

Abstract

Abstract The present investigation carries immense significance as it delves into the examination of the influence of the interface between politics and administration on the provision of services within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The selection of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng as a case study is determined by its recent political instability. In recent years, the municipality has grappled with an unstable coalition government characterised by frequent changes in political leadership and a decline in the delivery of services. The primary objective of this investigation is to examine the effect of the political- administrative interface on the delivery of services in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The study aims to emphasize the fact that the distinction between politics and administration has the ability to significantly affect the delivery of services. As part of this inquiry, the researcher utilised a qualitative methodology to examine the efficacy of the political-administrative interface's impact on service delivery. The introductory section of this inquiry served to present a general view of the investigation subject. In chapter two, the researcher conducted a comprehensive literature review, entailing scrutiny of pre-existing information and knowledge pertaining to the political- administrative interface within local government. The third chapter centred on research methodology and design. Section four was primarily focused on the gathering and processing of information. Moving forward, the fifth chapter presented the research's findings. Finally, chapter six of this inquiry offered a summary of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The researcher employed purposive sampling and developed a semi-structured interview questionnaire for the study, which involves 20 respondents comprising of councillors and municipality officials. The results of the investigation demonstrate that the intersection of politics and administration presents a significant obstacle in the context of the City of Johannesburg. Additionally, the researcher ascertained that the political-administrative dichotomy has an adverse impact on service delivery. Notably, the researcher identified a legislative framework that governs the relationship between councillors and administrators. However, both municipality officials and councillors exhibit a total disregard for the framework. It is imperative to establish a continuous education program that would enable both administrators and councillors to separate politics from administration. Additionally, frameworks for coalition must be established to facilitate a stable government capable of fulfilling its service delivery mandate