Abstract
The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the nature and problems of cooperative governance and intergovernmental relations (IGR) between provincial and local government in general and in the Gauteng province in particular. The primary guiding research question of the thesis encapsulates the problem: To what extent do the existing institutional context and management (administrative) mechanisms, systems, and practices in the Gauteng Provincial Government and municipalities affect IGR and cooperative governance in the province? This thesis provides a broad systematic conceptualisation and contextualisation of the key statutory, regulatory, policy, and institutional factors that impede effective IGR and cooperative governance in the Gauteng province. It includes existing administrative mechanisms, systems, and practices in the provincial government and municipalities to support intergovernmental planning, budgeting, implementation, performance management, and reporting in the Gauteng province. This study is grounded on documentary and literature conceptual and contextual analyses and qualitative data-collection techniques and interviews. Constant comparative methods of data analysis were used to search for recurring variables and themes. The empirical analysis identified a fragmented application of IGR in the Gauteng province, as well as silo-based planning, budgeting, performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms, which further hampered effective and efficient cooperative governance. The study proposes management and administrative reforms to improve the structure and practice of IGR practices and cooperative governance in the Gauteng province.
D.Litt. et Phil. (Public Management and Governance)