EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG METROPOLITAN COUNCIL’S PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

Local government in South Africa is confronted with many challenges because it is at the coal face of service delivery expected by residents. Municipalities like the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council have recognized therefore that in order to address service delivery and capacity challenges, there is a need to implement a credible performance management system that will lead to improved service delivery whilst at the same time build sufficient capacity within local government. A qualitative research study was therefore undertaken to understand the effectiveness of a performance management system implemented by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council. The purpose of the study was to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the performance management system and assess its impact in addressing service delivery challenges faced by the city. The findings of the study indicate that whilst there is tangible evidence the effectiveness of the performance management system currently implemented within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council, there are a number of interventions that the city needs to undertake in order to fully realize the benefits of improved service delivery through the effective implementation of its performance management system. The conclusion of the study outlines the weak areas of the PMS within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council when compared with the literature reviewed and recommendations were made to address the identified weaknesses