An Exploration of the Effectiveness of Professional Bodies Operating in South African Municipalities

Abstract

Public service, in general, is marred with a lot of dissatisfaction from service users and this has inevitably culminated into public protests. Members of the public and service users are beginning to question competencies and capabilities of the officials who are responsible for the provision of services. Whilst it is true that there are public servants who do not qualify for positions they are occupying, it is also true that there are officials who meet the qualification requirements but simply cannot perform in their jobs simply because of laziness and or lack of professionalism. The latter has also led to questions being asked about the role of professional bodies in supporting the provision of public services. South Africa has recently seen a spike in public protests for services especially in the local government sector (municipalities). It is for this reason that the study explored the effectiveness of professional bodies operating in South African municipalities. The study employed the qualitative research method wherein interviews were conducted as data collection instrument. A sample of senior managers was selected across South African municipalities who then responded to questions about professional bodies. It became evident from the study that there is a need for professional bodies to play an even bigger role in collaboration with municipalities to professionalize the local government sector. The study therefore recommends various options in which professional bodies can collaborate with municipalities.