Exploring the role of intergovernmental relations in promoting service delivery in communities: a case study of the west rand district municipality

Abstract

Intergovernmental Relations play a crucial role in the provision of service delivery in communities. This study assesses the role of intergovernmental relations in promoting service delivery in the West Rand District Municipality, and whether it is effective. This determination is made by assessing the progress made through the existing intergovernmental relations and the challenges facing the service delivery implementers in the municipality. Hence, the poor service delivery in that Municipality. This study used a qualitative approach to assess the state of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) in the municipality based on the participants’ understandings. This study used a case study research design. Due to the qualitative character of the study, non-probability was used as a sampling procedure. The study used interviews as a research instrument for data collection. The study used one-on-one semi-structured interviews and the study population was made up of 16 participants: six (6) employees within the West Rand District Municipality, five (5) employees from the Gauteng Office of The Premier, and five (5) from the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The collected data was then analysed through a thematic method. This method revealed that the biggest challenges include lack of skills and capacity, lack of functionality in IGR structures, lack of coordination and communication between officials, lack of public participation, lack of transformative, and financial constraints. In this regard, this study found that the implementation of intergovernmental strategies in the West Rand District Municipality has been very minimal, if not non-existent. The study highlighted the challenges and experiences shared by the participants, offering recommendations that can be utilised to strengthen IGR in the West Rand District Municipality. This will contribute to the effective and efficient formulation and implementation of policies aimed at improving service delivery in communities.