Modelling the core areas of municipal performance towards an ‘ideal’ municipality

摘要

Municipal performance plays a vital role in measuring an ideal municipality (IM) in South Africa. The IM includes a democratic and accountable government, the needs of local community, sustainable services, etc. However, the existing studies reflect a lack of sufficient models showing the relationship between these core areas of concern (CAC) and their significance to key performance areas (KPAs). This paper presents a conceptual model that represents the CAC and KPAs and the key determinants of an IM. The model was tested through Structural Equation Modelling to determine the relationships among the CAC, KPAs and IM. A comprehensive multi-layered approach to the complex issues facing local government in South Africa was utilised. The model shows that it is crucial for local municipalities to look into the CAC for continuous improvement of KPAs. The paper further recommends that the model can be used to measure KPAs at national level.