The nexus between project management and service delivery in the eThekwini Municipality

Abstract

Service delivery is placed as the main function of municipalities in Section 152 of the South African Constitution. However, municipalities generally struggle to deliver public services efficiently. As a result, municipalities typically endure ongoing pressure to enhance service delivery and make prudent decisions with integrity and transparency. One of the reasons for service delivery challenges across South African municipalities is the lack of proper and effective project management. Generally, municipalities struggle to implement projects that harmonise national government policies and procedures. This study explores the nexus between project management and public service delivery using a case study of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. A qualitative methodological approach was adopted to address the research questions raised in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from 30 workers at the eThekwini Municipality. The thematic data analysis approach was adopted to analyse data. The study found that, there is a relationship between project management and service delivery, there are gaps in the link between project management and service delivery, whilst document reviews established that policies in place are not reviewed and are mostly implemented as drafts. Seven key challenges of project management in the eThekwini Municipality were identified and their impact, as well as recommendations to improve service delivery in the municipality. It is recommended that there is need for ethical leadership in addressing project management and service delivery challenges in local government. Ethical leadership ensures transparency and accountability in project management and service delivery