Impact of the Implementation of the Water Demand Management Strategy on Social, Economic and Political Development and Stability in the Context of the Participatory Development Theoretical Framework in South Africa: The Case of Kabokweni Municipality Resi

The research was aimed at investigating the impact of the Water Demand Management (WDM) on social, economic and political development in the City of Mbombela Local Municipality Township of Kabokweni in Mpumalanga province. This was an attempt to address challenges associated with water delivery service challenges because of lack of compliance to their rights to access enough clean water and sanitation. Qualitative research by means of face to face interviews was used to collect data. The population comprised of 8 purposefully selected respondents from the community of Kabokweni Township comprising of 2 councillors, 2 WDM officials from the City of Mbombela and 4 community leaders. The findings indicated that there is a negative impact of the WDM implementation strategy on socio-economic and political development and stability of Kabokweni Township. Results finally indicated that the participatory development theory was a possible innovative strategy of effectively implementing the WDM policies in order to address these water related challenges. It was then recommended that the WDM officials adopt the Participative development theoretical approach by involving all the community members in planning, designing and implementing WDM policies in order to ensure social, economic and political development in the Kabokweni Township.