Service Delivery Disparities at Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality: Prospect and Challenges

Although the South African local government is doing its best to ensure enhanced services for its citizenry, disparity in the delivery process remains the real challenge in various municipalities. The unequal distribution of services within municipal wards is resulting in unhappiness because selected communities appear to enjoy services, while others do not. It is acknowledged that limited access to municipal services infringes on one's rights, for example, human dignity and right to life. Some of the municipal services are basic and are the mainstay of human survival, for example, water, housing, and waste removal. It is evident that disparities in the delivery of services could be as a result of various factors within the local municipality affairs, including administration and political influence. This study was conducted to establish the root cause of disparities in service delivery and to ensure equal provision of municipal services. The study adopted the qualitative research methodology to gather data from the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality community. An extensive literature review was conducted to comprehend the causes for disparities in the delivery of services. The literature and findings concur that the disparities are as a result of, for example, political interference in administration, corruption and fraud, elevated unemployment levels, and inadequate institutional capacity. The study recommends community participation and external supervision of local governance to encourage openness and fair administration of services rendered.