Frontline Service Monitoring Systems as Catalysts for Improved Service Delivery in South Africa (original) (raw)

PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM: KEY CHALLENGES OF EXECUTION

This article explores the key challenges to building a 'capable development state' in South Africa, as articulated in the National Development Plan (NDP). These challenges stem not only from a lack of capacity, but from a lack of coherence in framing the agenda and key success factors of a capable development state. The debate on state literature has evolved considerably from the Weberian analysis of examining state bureaucracies from a rationalist perspective — that is, focusing on the presence/absence of a coherent and hierarchical organisational logic, its efficiency and effectiveness and the existence/non-existence of a meritocratic professional bureaucracy insulated from day-to-day political interference (see van Bockel & Noordegraaf 2006). Later literature began examining the capability of the state with reference to its historical location in the existing political economy — that is, the periodisation of statehood from colonialism to modernity, class formation and political cohesion (Evans 1997; Houston & Muthien 2000). More recently, state literature has examined the capability of the state against the trajectory of democratisation and/or development (Evans 1989). Finally, there has been a closer scrutiny to the mechanics of the state engine with the growth of 'managerialism' centred in the rise of new public administration (Schwella 1991; Muthien 2000). All of these theories in essence present a mosaic of analyses of various angles of state operations. For the purposes of this article, state capability will be assessed through the level of expertise and professionalism, the governance of accountability, the effective design of organisational systems and processes, the level of skills and the quality of leadership; drawing on a hybrid of perspectives of state theory. State capability in South Africa will also be examined through the prism of public sector reform and discourses around the development state to date.

Reforming Public Service Delivery

This paper reviews some issues relevant to the delivery of public services. It reviews some of the debates and flags some issues that are significant worldwide, especially in Africa. It emphasises how the debate has moved along in terms of defining the relative responsibilities of the public and private sectors for delivering public services. It also discusses the role of incentives among politicians and bureaucrats in service delivery. In a broader context, there is a need to understand the role of mission-driven delivery and the role of competition in public services. The paper argues for a focus on accountability in part through rigorous evaluation of service delivery and basing policy on sound first-principles.

The Crisis of Public Servicing in South Africa (circa 2014)

Published in an extended form as the chapter on South Africa in Van Wart, M, Hondeghem, A, & Schwella, E (Eds.) Suino, P. (Contributor) "Leadership and Culture: Comparative Models of Top Civil Servant Training". London: Palgrave, November 2014.

Factors affecting effective citizen-based monitoring of frontline service delivery in South Africa

Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 2024

Background: In South African local government, citizen-based monitoring (CBM) for frontline service delivery is pivotal for enhancing governance. Understanding the factors shaping effective CBM in this context is crucial for improving public service delivery. This study examines the complex dynamics involving government departments, community-based organisations (CBOs) and local media communities in CBM to uncover challenges and opportunities within frontline service delivery.Aim: This research identifies and analyses the factors impacting the effective CBM of frontline service delivery in South African local government. Despite existing research, gaps persist in understanding collaboration among government departments, CBOs and local media in frontline service delivery.Setting: The study conducted within South African local government focuses on frontline services like healthcare and education across urban and rural areas, ensuring comprehensive insights into CBM challenges.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, including qualitative interviews, surveys and document analysis. Interviews with government officials, CBO representatives and media members provided qualitative data, while surveys collected quantitative insights from citizens. Secondary sources supplemented the findings.Results: The study reveals multifaceted factors influencing CBM in frontline service delivery, including communication dynamics, resource availability, political influences and diverse stakeholder perceptions.Conclusion: Addressing these factors requires stakeholder collaboration to foster trust, allocate resources and mitigate political influences. Policymakers must optimise CBM to enhance frontline service delivery.Contribution: This study contributes to improving public service access and quality in South African local government by identifying challenges and opportunities. It offers insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance transparency, accountability and citizen engagement

Public Service Reforms

Public service delivery has acquired new dimensions as governments need to respond not only to changes in the global environment but also to the demands of an active citizenry. This paper analyses efforts made by both developed and developing world to improve civil service performance.

Actions and Behaviours Essential for Monitoring & Evaluation to Succeed in South African Public Service

Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 2014

As an intervention mechanism to improve service delivery, the concepts of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is recently growing in popularity among countries, including South Africa. To this end, questions are posed in this article to establish the effect of making use of M&E in the South African public service. These are posed in view of the fact that South Africa has established a number of sound regulatory frameworks in the past, which should serve as a ‘fertile’ environment for effective service delivery. On this basis, attempts are made to investigate the answers to such questions, and then the body of knowledge through literature review was consulted so as to contextualise and conceptualise arguments and recommendations that could be made at the end of the article. Monitoring and Evaluation could be seen as a critical tool for government institutions to be effective towards achievement of their goals and objectives, as well as making an impact on the lives of South African citiz...

ASSESSING SERVICE DELIVERY CHALLENGES IN A SOUTH AFRICAN MUNICIPALITY

Journal of Public Administration Finance and Law, 2023

Over the past decade, thousands of South Africans have taken to the streets in violent protest over the fact that over 70% of the country's municipalities are unable to provide services to their residents. Only by recognising the negative effects of service delivery and proposing solutions to these problems can development in rural areas with periodic crises be sustained. The goal of this research is to identify the causes of subpar service in a KwaZulu-Natal municipality (Municipality Y) and propose solutions to the problems identified. For ethical reasons, the municipality's name has been hidden. Qualitative techniques, including in-depth interviews and purposive sampling, were used to compile the data for this analysis. The 15 interviewees were 11 local council members, and 4 traditional leaders. Lack of public participation, political intervention in administration, a breakdown in lines of communication with the local population, and the inability of top officials to see out their full terms are all factors found to have a negative impact on service delivery. The study suggests several measures to reduce corruption, including the hiring of more qualified individuals for financial positions, the implementation of ethical supply chain management policies, enhanced channels of communication and openness with local communities, and closer ties with law enforcement.