Accountability in the context of cooperative governance and local economic development (LED) in South African local government
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Megatrend University
Abstract
Provided the tensions and challenges found in different types of governance systems for developing clear objectives, effective policy implementation strategies, as well as monitoring and reporting mechanisms aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability of initiatives, this paper seeks to contribute to both theoretical and practical debates surrounding cooperative governance and LED. Whilst better policy outcomes that fit with
local and differentiated needs among stakeholders may be one of the drivers for moving towards cooperative governance, there is a normative question of accountability. Does the common feature of flexible and adaptable arrangements in cooperative governance create accountability deficit, specifically promoting laissez-faire approach commonly associated with the implementation among role-players? This paper considers this question and the extent to which accountability may be ensured. To address these concerns data were collected from six municipalities in Western Cape, South Africa. A qualitative research
design paradigm based on Interpretivists/Constructivists philosophy was employed. Data were collected through three data collection instruments, namely, document review,
interviews and focus group discussions. This paper argues that employing Key Performance Indicators as commonly used in the public service to promote accountability is difficult to enforce specifically in collaborative endeavours where participatory is voluntary. The paper recommends some accountability
promotion enhancers. This will assist in improving the understanding of the context that may inhibit or enable stakeholders in taking full advantage of collaborative-led developmental interventions to further peoples’ lives and to enhance their opportunities to partake in matters of development in their municipalities.
Description
CITATION: Kamara, R. D. 2021. Accountability in the context of cooperative governance and local economic development (LED) in South African local government. Megatrend Review, 18(3):23-42, doi:10.5937/MegRev2101023D.
The original publication is available at https://megatrend.edu.rs
The original publication is available at https://megatrend.edu.rs
Keywords
Government accountability -- Western (South Africa), Intergovernmental cooperation -- Western (South Africa), Public administration -- Western (South Africa), Economic development -- Western (South Africa)
Citation
Kamara, R. D. 2021. Accountability in the context of cooperative governance and local economic development (LED) in South African local government. Megatrend Review, 18(3):23-42, doi:10.5937/MegRev2101023D.