By
Avin Bhola and Paul Kariuki,
The
formation of South Africa's 2024 Government of National Unity (GNU) has brought
about possible significant changes and challenges to local governments. This
article explores the impact of this political shift on service delivery,
governance, and community engagement at the local level.
 |
| Photo: Pixabay. |
South
Africa witnessed the establishment of a Government of National Unity (GNU), a
coalition to address national challenges through collaborative governance. This
model is repeated at the nine provincial levels throughout the country. While this move has been lauded for its
potential to bring stability and inclusive decision-making, its effects on
local governments are multifaceted and profound.
Strictly
speaking, the elections should not affect local government as it is a separate
and distinct level of government. The
lack of service delivery is an ongoing concern for ratepayers who are seen to
be at the mercy of fragile coalitions and power struggles between the national,
provincial, and local tiers of government.
The
GNU is leading to a reshuffling of political power at local levels, with
coalition dynamics influencing council decisions and policy implementations.
This has both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, there is a
probability of increased collaboration between parties can lead to more
comprehensive and balanced policies. Better oversight on policy formulation,
implementation, and governance. On the other hand, political infighting and
power struggles may delay decision-making and service delivery. Parties will
compromise on their election promises to keep their coalition partners happy.
There
are several notable positive influences of GNU on service delivery, namely:
Improved
Funding: Central government support can increase, aiming to bolster local
infrastructure and services. Those parties not having a presence at local level
and an influence at the national and provincial level will allocate funding to
suit their party objectives. This will happen more with funding coming from the
provincial level. This will enhance the parties' image and put them in good
stead for the forthcoming 2026 municipal elections. However, there are potential
delays in decision making while parties consult for consensus on budget review
and approvals. Furthermore, approved
projects might be changed to appease the majority parties at the provincial
level.
Furthermore,
governance structures will see a shift towards more inclusive and participatory
models. This has implications for transparency and accountability. This move suggests that there will be
enhanced oversight, promoting checks and balances toward greater accountability.
All political parties irrespective of their representation in the GNU, must
support the collective notion of enforcing accountability and focusing
attention on easing the administrative burden that comes with managing complex
political dynamics associated with GNU.
Moreover,
the GNU emphasises the importance of community involvement in governance.
Increased citizen and civil society participation is critical towards
entrenching greater accountability and transparency in all its dealings.
Efforts to involve communities in decision-making have been acknowledged by all
parties, and the onus is now on the GNU members to actualize this commitment.
On
the civil society side, it is an opportune moment for the sector to commence
holding their local council accountable immediately. This must be done in
tandem with holding the provincial and national governments accountable. The
political parties are fully aware that the electorate is not going to let
parties take them for a ride and not deliver on the campaign promises. This
bodes well for the electorate to enhance its oversight role.
In
conclusion, the 2024 elections has brought both opportunities and challenges
for local governments in South Africa. While there are positive strides in
collaboration and community engagement, the complexities of coalition politics
can hinder swift decision-making and efficient service delivery. Moving
forward, local governments must navigate these dynamics carefully to ensure
that the benefits of the GNU are fully realized at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, improving local governance under the GNU requires ongoing efforts
to balance political interests, enhance community involvement, and make
administrative processes accountable. By addressing these challenges, South
Africa can strengthen its local governments and ensure better service delivery
for all its citizens.
Dr. Paul Kariuki is the
Executive Director of the Democracy Development Program (DDP). Avin Bhola is
the coordinator of the Local Governance and Advocacy Learning Network (LGALN)
consisting of 80 civil society organsiations in the Durban area and the
chairman of Kwenzokuhle Community Organisation.
