Abstract
This study investigates the pervasive issue of maladministration in Nyandeni Local Municipality and its detrimental effects on service delivery in rural South Africa. Guided by New Public Management (NPM) theory and the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, the research explores systemic governance weaknesses that lead to persistent service delivery failures and assesses the effectiveness of current interventions.
The study uses a qualitative methodology to analyse secondary data from government documents, audit reports, and municipal records. It employs thematic analysis to identify recurring governance challenges and their impact on public trust. Findings indicate that maladministration in Nyandeni LM is a longstanding issue rooted in weak internal controls, high leadership vacancies, procurement irregularities, and limited financial oversight. These weaknesses create backlogs in essential services such as water, sanitation, and infrastructure, resulting in public dissatisfaction and social instability. While interventions have been implemented at the municipal, provincial, and national levels, recurring audit findings suggest these measures lack the sustainability required for meaningful impact.
The study concludes that addressing maladministration in Nyandeni LM demands comprehensive governance reforms focused on stronger oversight, enhanced transparency, and capacity-building initiatives to reinforce internal controls and reduce reliance on consultants. Emphasising community engagement and accountability-driven interventions, the research underscores the importance of restoring public trust to improve service delivery outcomes. Future research could explore similar governance challenges in other rural South African municipalities, providing insights for broader reform strategies.