Service Provision in South African Local Government and King IV Corporate Governance Report: Challenges and Potential Solutions

Description

Page: 526-532

Mamokhere John¹ and Chauke Khensani Richard² (Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa¹ and Department of Public Administration, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa²)

Since the end of apartheid and the advent of democracy in South Africa, there have been concerns about service provision due to political interference, unethical practices and inadequate institutional capacity. The King IV Report, based on seventeen principles, aims to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance in South Africa and globally. Using an outcomes-based approach, the study suggests municipalities could reap significant advantages if they implement the King IV principles correctly. It would be ideal if local governments adopt these corporate governance principles to reduce risks associated with corruption and political interference and to foster legitimacy through compliance with government regulations and policies. Thus, the study explores the challenges facing service provision in South African local government and considers the potential advantages of leveraging the governance outcomes outlined in the King IV Report. This study employs a qualitative methodology and is theoretically anchored in the King IV Report. The findings emphasise the necessity for effective control measures, checks and balances, and compliance with government policies to enhance service provision and mitigate risks such as fraud and malpractice. To confront governance challenges, municipal officials and political leaders should embrace the King IV municipal supplement as a framework for strengthening governance. The study also encourages municipalities to establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to improve oversight and significantly decrease opportunities for corruption and mismanagement.