Effective Governance as an Approach to Promote Service Delivery by Local Government in South Africa: The Case for Soul City

Abstract

Thi s article provides an overview for effective governance as an approach to improve services at local government in South Africa. The service del ivery mandate for local government is elaborated on in ex isting legislation which is outlined in the article. The article focu ses on the found ations of effective governance and eva luates the problematic nature of service deli very in muni cipalities. The focal point of this arti cle is to take the So ul City in Sol Pl aa tjies Municipality as a qualitative case study. The literature and findings of the case as well as other municipalities suggest that effective governance is essential for improved se rvice deli ve ry at local government. The research suggests that without effective governance, se rvice delivery will not be significantly improved at local governm ent.