Towards sustainable service delivery by South African local authorities: a community participation strategy.

Abstract

Despite community participation mechanisms in local government, there has been an increase in violent protests related to a deficit in the provision of services. Such protests cause damage to property, Increasing infrastructure deficit. Therefore, this paper seeks to comprehend the possible effective approach to sustainable service provision to lessen violent service delivery protests. The paper identifies active community participation as a strategy to improve service delivery in municipalities. It used desktop research as an approach to secondary sources. Despite that it appears insignificant towards service delivery to local communities, the paper participation is a necessary tool for achieving transparency and accountability. It concludes by arguing that for sustainable service delivery to be progressively realised, local people need to reach a stage where they participate in local government affairs, with the same energy, intensity, and willingness they show when they participate in violent service delivery protests.