Political Instability in Coalition-Led Municipalities and Its Implications for Service Delivery Governance in South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.691Keywords:
Political Instability, Coalition, Service Delivery, Municipalities, South AfricaAbstract
The local government sphere in South Africa has faced many challenges because of failed coalitions among prominent political parties. This situation is undesirable, as many citizens depend on the local government for basic services such as water, sanitation, electricity, and waste management. As the sphere of government closest to communities, municipalities play a critical role in addressing socio-economic needs and promoting sustainable development. However, the failure of existing coalition arrangements to govern municipalities has increasingly undermined local governments' ability to deliver efficient and sustainable public services. This study examines the impact of political instability in coalition-led municipalities on service delivery. The article employed a qualitative approach, guided by the PRISMA framework, and based on a systematic literature review. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and governance challenges associated with coalition-led administrations. The findings reveal that political instability in coalition municipalities often leads to frequent leadership turnover, policy uncertainty, inadequate oversight mechanisms, and delays in decision-making. These challenges contribute to administrative disruptions, strained inter-party relations, and reduced institutional capacity, which undermine service delivery performance. The study concludes that while coalition governance may promote political representation and democratic plurality, the absence of stable governance arrangements and clear accountability mechanisms can significantly hinder effective service delivery in municipalities. The article recommends strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing coalition agreements, and promoting governance stability to improve service delivery outcomes in coalition-led municipalities.
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