Women in local government leadership: an analysis of transformational initiatives

Abstract

South Africa has seen an increase in the number of women in local government. This study sought to explore transformational initiatives led by women leaders in local government. The study sought to gain an insight into the challenges associated with the implementation of transformational initiatives in municipal authorities in South Africa. The literature survey focused on local government functions in an emerging democracy such as South Africa. The study recruited women leading transformational initiatives in a municipal authority in Gauteng Province. There were eight women leaders who voluntarily participated in the study. An interview schedule was used to collect data from participants. The study used a qualitative research methodology and data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The results showed that the women were succeeding in implementing the transformational initiatives that they managed although they faced some challenges associated with working in a quasi-governmental organisation in South Africa. Directions for future studies could focus on the development of tools to support women leaders working in local government in South Africa.