Abstract
The professionalisation of local government in South Africa is increasingly recognised as a strategic recalibration mechanism to realise the developmental objectives envisioned for this governance sphere. This study undertakes a qualitative systematic literature review to investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with professionalising local government. It explores the structural and contextual impediments to achieving a truly developmental local government, while examining the theoretical prescriptions for reform through the lenses of Administrative Theory, Behavioural Theory, and the Theory of Change. Comparative insights from international case studies further enrich the analysis, highlighting professionalisation as a viable turnaround strategy.
A desktop review of secondary data was conducted, supported by digital tools including ATLAS.ti, a program for qualitative data analysis, and ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-based large language model for visualising conceptual relationships. The findings revealed three core challenges, primarily rooted in political interference and instability at the political-administrative interface, that contribute to systemic dysfunction. These challenges underscore the urgent need for strategic reform.
The study proposes a conceptual model for professionalisation, grounded in principles of ethical disposition, accountability, transparency, and merit-based recruitment and selection. It argues that cultivating a culture of good performance and ethical governance is essential for restoring public trust and achieving effective service delivery, in alignment with the Batho Pele principles. Ultimately, the research affirms that professionalisation, when contextually adapted and ethically driven, offers a transformative pathway toward a more functional and responsive local government.