The influence of unstable coalition governments in Gauteng metropolitan municipalities

Journal of Local Government Research and Innovation

 
 
Field Value
 
Title The influence of unstable coalition governments in Gauteng metropolitan municipalities
 
Creator Pholoma, Martin Lubinga, Stellah Masiya, Tyanai Madumo, Onkgopotse S.
 
Subject Public Administration; Service Delivery administration; coalitions; Gauteng; municipalities; South Africa
Description Background: Coalition governments involve multiple political parties uniting to govern because of the absence of a majority party in the council following electoral outcomes. In South Africa, coalitions have become much more common since the 2016 and 2021 local government elections.Aim: This study investigates the implications of unstable coalition governments on municipal administration within the Gauteng metropolitan municipalities.Setting: The study focused on the City of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and the City of Johannesburg metropolitan municipalities in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.Methods: Employing a qualitative approach with a case study design, this research draws upon secondary sources and employs thematic analysis for a comprehensive examination of data.Results: The findings underscore that unstable coalition governments exert multifaceted effects on municipal administration in Gauteng. Firstly, they erode the foundational principles of democratic and accountable governance. Secondly, the instability adversely affects the provision of essential services. Thirdly, the process of budget formulation and approval is compromised. Fourthly, the precarious nature of political coalitions jeopardises creating a safe and healthy municipal environment and contributes to hung councils. Fifthly, municipal human resource practices are negatively influenced, alongside challenges in effectively managing municipal funds.Conclusion: There is a critical need for government and municipalities to institute effective legislation and policies addressing the challenges associated with unstable coalition governments in order to foster stability, promoting democratic values and ensuring efficient municipal administration within the Gauteng metropolitan context.Contribution: The study makes key recommendations for improving municipal administration under coalition councils in South Africa’s metros.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor
Date 2024-08-07
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — Literary Analysis
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/jolgri.v5i0.195
 
Source Journal of Local Government Research and Innovation; Vol 5 (2024); 10 pages 2788-919X 2709-7412
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://jolgri.org/index.php/jolgri/article/view/195/400 https://jolgri.org/index.php/jolgri/article/view/195/402 https://jolgri.org/index.php/jolgri/article/view/195/403 https://jolgri.org/index.php/jolgri/article/view/195/404
 
Coverage South Africa; Africa 2016-2023 —
Rights Copyright (c) 2024 Martin Pholoma, Stellah Lubinga, Tyanai Masiya, Onkgopotse S. Madumo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ADVERTISEMENT