OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190814
Performance management system in South African municipalities: Performance and Challenges
- Machete 1, Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad 2*
1 School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
2 School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
* Corresponding author: svyas-doorgapersad@uj.ac.za
Volume 19, Issue 08, 205-218, 2026.
Abstract: This study discusses some of the prevailing work published by different scholars and government departments about performance management systems. The literature review commences with the concept of performance management in terms of its importance in municipalities. The legislative frameworks governing performance management in South African municipalities are also discussed. Further, this study identifies the benefits and barriers of the performance management system used by South African municipalities. Moreover, the study analyses the crucial aspects of the performance management system that promote performance effectiveness and efficiency in municipalities. Secondary data was employed in the study to gather information. No interviews and questionnaires form part of the study, hence there was no human interaction recorded. Since the data in this statement was gathered from publicly accessible sources, it satisfies the requirements of research ethics. Through document analysis, the data was evaluated. Explaining the elements that could prevent a performance management system from being implemented successfully at the local governance level is the study’s goal. Training, senior management commitment, awareness, and cultural change are just a few of the issues the report highlights as being related to performance management. The study offers a few solutions to enhance the performance management systems’ current state of implementation considering the findings.
Keywords: Challenges, performance management system, South African municipalities, qualitative study.
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