Knowledge Management as a Catalyst for Sustainable Human Resource Management in South African Municipalities

Abstract

Knowledge management remains under-researched in the South African local government sector, with limited empirical evidence on effective implementation practices. This study provides an overview of KM implementation across municipalities and municipal entities in South Africa, with the primary objective of assessing knowledge management across five key dimensions: leadership, culture, structure, processes, and technology. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, comprising a survey of 306 managers and 18 focus group conducted across 24 municipalities in nine provinces. The total population sample was 1054, including executive, senior, and middle managers. The findings reveal a limited understanding, application, and integration of knowledge management within local government institutions. Critical success factors such as leadership, organisational culture, structural alignment, supportive processes, and enabling technology were found to be inadequately developed or lacking. Based on these findings, the study recommends a stakeholder-supported, phased approach to knowledge management implementation. Key recommendations include the development of a national knowledge management blueprint, regular knowledge management assessments, establishment of communities of practice, adoption of knowledge management competency frameworks and alignment of knowledge management initiatives with digital transformation strategies. These findings offer valuable insights and practical guidance for enhancing institutional sustainability, governance, human resource management and service delivery in the South African local government context.