From Batho Pele principles to public participation in basic services delivery at municipal level in South Africa: using Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality as a case

Abstract

Batho Pele principles were introduced in South Africa to enhance community participation in developmental local governments for improved service delivery. Yet, 22 years into post-apartheid democracy, there is still a lot to be desired in the country. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of these principles in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng province. Quantitative survey data was collected from a stratified random sample of 1429 respondents, comprising four different respondent groups of 899 (63%), 214 (15%), 208 (15%) and 108 (7%) citizens, businesses, managers and ward committee members (WCMs) respectively. Factor analysis and structural equation modelling were employed to analyse the data. It was found that the implementation of the Batho Pele principles is slow but they are positively correlated with effective municipal service delivery. The training of people including all stakeholders on Batho Pele principles should be intensified.