Risk Management Effectiveness and Sustainable Service Delivery in the Public Sector: Evidence From South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijsbe.701Keywords:
Risk Management Effectiveness, Sustainable Service Delivery, Public Sector Governance, Organisational Resilience, Digital TransformationAbstract
Effective risk management has become a critical component of governance and sustainable service delivery within public sector institutions. This study examines the factors influencing the effectiveness of risk management in the Department of Employment and Labour in the Western Cape, South Africa, and explores how these factors contribute to sustainable organisational performance and long-term service delivery outcomes. A qualitative research approach was adopted to gain an in-depth understanding of the organisational, governance, and operational dynamics shaping risk management practices within the Department. Data were collected through qualitative methods, enabling the exploration of participants’ experiences, perceptions, and insights regarding the implementation of risk management processes. The findings reveal that organisational factors such as leadership commitment, institutional capacity, communication processes, organisational culture, and digital transformation significantly influence the effectiveness of risk management. Importantly, the study demonstrates that effective risk management contributes to sustainability by enhancing organisational resilience, improving decision-making, strengthening governance structures, and ensuring consistent and reliable service delivery over time. The integration of structured frameworks such as ISO 31000 and governance principles such as the King IV Report on Corporate Governance plays a vital role in promoting accountability, transparency, and long-term value creation. Overall, the study highlights that strengthening leadership support, improving risk management systems, and advancing digital capabilities are essential strategies for enhancing governance effectiveness and achieving sustainable service delivery in the public sector. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable risk governance and provides practical insights for improving risk management practices in government institutions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Vusumzi Mqambeli, Sabelo Mpungose (Author)
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