Effects of municipal boundary demarcation on service delivery and social integration in Collins Chabane and JB Marks local municipalities

Abstract

Geographical boundaries have important environmental, political, financial, developmental and social implications. This study seeks to illustrate this claim through a comparative look at two cases in point, the Collins Chabane and the JB Marks local municipalities. The former resulted from a merger of two rural areas, viz., Malamulele and Vuwani, while the latter followed amalgamation of the relatively more urban Tlokwe and Ventersdorp. How have these mergers affected the delivery of basic services, the promotion of public participation in local government decision-making processes, as well as the promotion of social integration between the different groups now enclosed within new boundaries? Furthermore, what were the reasons behind communities’ objections to demarcations, objections characterised by violent protests and the destruction of public infrastructure? Empirical findings were sought through administration of a questionnaire, personal interviews with municipal officials, focus group discussions with Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) officials, in addition to document analysis. Purposeful sampling facilitated the selection of officials, while systematic random sampling expedited the selection of representatives of the 200 households who filled out questionnaires. Contrary to the notion that changes in municipal boundaries enhance service delivery, the majority of research participants perceived no difference in the way municipal services continue to be delivered. Evidence further showed that the MDB failed to consult adequately those most affected by the demarcation changes. Apparent gerrymandering in both case studies has serious implications regarding MDB’s credibility as well as its independence from political interference. In light of its grave findings, this research thus goes on to make several recommendations around municipal demarcation legislation in a number of areas.