The Monitoring and Evaluation of Municipal Performance: An Empirical Interrogation of Policy Framework in South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15678/PG.2025.71.1.03Keywords:
monitoring, evaluation, municipality, performance, policy, service deliveryAbstract
Objective: The study investigates the elements of monitoring and evaluation in public service delivery in South African municipalities as well as evaluates the importance of monitoring and evaluating municipal activities. It also explores ways to improve municipal performance for the benefit of citizens.
Research Design & Methods: The study is descriptive, with the adoption of qualitative research techniques, using secondary sources of data. The secondary data was obtained through textbooks, journal articles, and Internet sources.
Findings: The study revealed that capacity-building plans, integration with other management systems, performance information frameworks, training and support, the tasks and responsibilities of executive authorities, as well as standards and compliance, among other things, are all key elements prescribed in the M&E policy framework.
Implications / Recommendations: Prioritising M&E will strengthen municipal performance, improve service delivery, and foster good governance. It will increase the awareness of policymakers that annual performance reviews, the enhancement of community participation, the implementation of self-evaluation processes, performance reporting, and data-driven decision-making are M&E strategies that improve municipal performance.
Contribution / Value Added: The study concluded that the monitoring and evaluation system is a managerial instrument that monitors and evaluates the performance of the public sector, thereby contributing to the achievement of service delivery outcomes in municipalities.
Article classification: research article
JEL classification: L38c, Z18, Z28
Downloads
References
Alkin, M. C., & Patton, M.Q. (2020). The Birth and Adaptation of Evaluation Theories. Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation, 16(35), 1–13.
Aspen Institute (1997). Voices from the Field: Learning from the Early Work of Comprehensive Community Initiatives. Aspen Institute.
Bester, A. (2019). Establishing Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Local Government (And Other Subnational Governments). Workshop at National Evaluation Capacities Conference, 21 October 2019, Hurghada, Egypt.
Boulay, D. A., & Han, H. (2008). Examining Values, Use, and Role in Evaluation: Prospects for a Broadened View. Online Submission, Paper presented at the Academy of Human Resource Development International Research Conference in the Americas, 20–24 February 2008, Panama City, FL.
Chirau, T. J., & Blaser-Mapitsa, C. (2020). How performance management regulations shape evaluation practice in South African municipalities. Evaluation and Program Planning, 82, 101831.
Govender, N., & Reddy, P. S. (2014). Performance monitoring and evaluation: The eThekwini Experience, South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 7(1), 58–79.
Hlatshwayo, N. Z., & Govender, K. K. (2015). Monitoring and evaluation in the public sector: A case study of the Department of Rural Development and Land Report in South Africa. Asian Journal of Economics and Empirical Research, 2(2), 91–99.
Hoffman, P. G. (2021). The role of monitoring and evaluation on municipal performance management a case study, Matatiele Local Municipality (MLM), WordPress, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Jupolli, M., & Vokshi, S. (2023). Municipal Performance Management – much more than just measurement. Decentralisation and Municipal Support DEMOS, Helvetas, Kosovo. https://helvetas-ks.org/demos_two/blogs/municipal-performance-management-much-more-than-just-measurement/
Kanyane, M. (2014). Exploring challenges of municipal service delivery in South Africa (1994–2013). Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 2(1), 90–110.
Kariuki, P., & Reddy, P., (2017). Operationalising an effective monitoring and evaluation system for local government: Considerations for best practice. African Evaluation Journal, 5(2), 1–8.
Mabizela, H., & Zwane, Z. (2023). Monitoring and evaluation as a critical approach to enhance the performance of local government: South Africa. International Journal of Research in Business & Social Science, 12(7), 74–84.
Masilo, M. M., Masiya, T., & Mathebula, N. R. (2021). Monitoring and evaluation in the public sector: a case of the Department of Home Affairs (South Africa). European Journal of Economics, Law and Social Sciences (Special Issue), 7–26.
Matsiliza, N. S. (2017). Monitoring and evaluation of municipal planning. Public and Municipal Finance, 6(4), 15–22.
Morrison, S. (2024). How to Boost Municipal Performance. Good Governance Africa. The Guardian, March 14.
Motingoe, R. S., & van der Waldt, G. (2013). A Monitoring and Evaluation System Utilisation Model for Support to South African Municipalities. Politiea: South African Journal for Political Science and Public Administration, 32(3), 4–29.
Ngumbela, X. G. (2024). The Role of Monitoring and Evaluation as A Quality Control Mechanism for Effective Governance: A South African Local Government Perspective. Journal of Law and Sustainable Development, 12(2), 1–26.
Nokukhanya, N. J., & Enaifoghe, A. (2023). Monitoring and evaluation in government: The case of South African municipalities. In van der Gerrit (Ed.), Handbook of Public Management in Africa. Political Science and Public Policy (pp. 92–106). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Nonyane, P. C. (2019). Exploring the Implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation System in Local Government: A Case Study of eThekwini Municipality. University of KwaZulu-Natal Thesis.
Public Service Commission (2008). Basic Concepts in Monitoring and Evaluation. The Republic of South Africa. The Public Service Commission (PSC) Commission House. Pretoria.
Public Service Commission (2012). Evolution of Monitoring and Evaluation in the South African Public Service. Official Magazine of the Public Service Commission, February/March 2012.
Republic of South Africa (2007). Policy Framework for the Government-wide Monitoring and Evaluation Systems. Layout: Internal Communications. Shereno Printers.
Republic of South Africa (2011). National Evaluation Policy Framework. Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, a final policy document.
Republic of South Africa (2012). Municipal Assessment Tool Trial Version 1.3. Department, Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Federal Republic of South Africa.
Republic of South Africa (2019). National Evaluation Policy Framework. Department, Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Federal Republic of South Africa.
SALGA (2019). Municipal Performance Management Training Programme: Overseeing Performance Management in Local Government. Political Stream Learner Manual. South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
Selesho, S. (2001). Performance Management Guide for Municipalities Draft II. Department of Provincial and Local Government, Kashan Creative.
Shadish, W. R. Jr., Cook, T. D., & Leviton, L. C. (1991). Good theory for social program evaluation. In Foundations of Program Evaluation: Theories of Practice (pp. 36–67). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
The Constitution (1996). Republic of South Africa, Pretoria. Government Printers.
Tshaka, M. (2023). Challenges of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in Service Delivery: A Case of A Selected Municipality in The Western Cape. Dissertation for the Degree of Master of Technology in Public Management, Faculty of Business, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), South Africa.
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) (2017). Monitoring and Evaluation Policy Framework. Revised April 2017. Annexe I, AC/UNITAR/2017.
van der Waldt, G. (2015). Government Interventionism and Sustainable Development: The Case of South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 8(2), 35–51.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Krakow University of Economic
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
