Capacity self-assessment as a catalyst for improved municipal service delivery

Abstract

This research paper illustrates that accurate and truthful capacity assessments are a fundamental phase of any capacity building process, and that capacity assessments play a fundamental role in reaching the necessary performance efficiency. Service delivery performance enhancements by municipalities are becoming increasingly necessary. At the same time, however, the majority of municipalities in South Africa find themselves under-capacitated. Some municipalities are aware of the lack of capacity within their organisation, but are unable to identify, define and quantify these shortcomings. Many other municipalities are not aware of their capacity shortfalls. In both cases, this is often caused by the lack of necessary systems and procedures to assess the different dimensions of organisational capacity. In this regard, this research paper introduces a proposed Subjective Municipal Capacity Self-Assessment Model (SMCSAM) as an alternative solution to the current practices of the Municipal Demarcation Board. It is intended that this model be used internally by municipalities to sustain internal capacity building and performance enhancement initiatives.

The Status and Challenges of Industrial Engineering in South Africa

“…It must be noted, however, that this sector is more sensitive about the racial composition of its workforce, which could explain the under-representation in this sector. This hypothesis is also echoed by the example of engineering capability degradation of local governments highlighted in Van Baalen et al [25]. Another explanation may be that government prefers to subcontract activities requiring IE expertise when deemed necessary.…”

The perceived societal impact of the fourth industrial revolution in South Africa

“…In South Africa, urbanisation levels are currently so high that by 2020, 67.4 per cent of the country's population resided in urban areas (O'Neill, 2022). Unfortunately, this positive development also had a negative ripple effect, such as backlogs in service delivery concerning water, sanitation, electricity provision and refuse removal (Van Baalen et al, 2015).…”

An Application of the Corporate Virtue Scale to Assess Managers’ Perceptions of Ethical Behaviour in Public Organizations and Service Provision

“…Nonetheless, they are cause for concern because they have diminished public trust in municipal authorities and the quality of services they provide. Numerous media outlets have published unfavorable accounts of protests that turned violent because of corrupt public officials (Basheka & Mubangizi 2012;Van Baalen, Schutte & Von Leipzig, 2015). It appears from these reports that local governments are having difficulty maintaining acceptable levels of service delivery.…”