Abstract
The main aim of this study was to critically evaluate the role of the accountability mechanisms in the Midvaal Local Municipality to promote good governance in general, and water provision, in particular. The study applied a qualitative approach in terms of unobtrusive research methods (conceptual and documentary analysis). For the empirical investigation primary data was gathered from interviews with selected participants from the Midvaal Local Municipality. A Delve Tool, which has a code-and-retrieve function, helped with the management of the qualitative data and analysis. The findings indicated that openness and transparency in municipal administration are key to promoting accountability between the administration, political office bearers and citizens. Furthermore, accountability mechanisms help to enforce expectations in terms of the administrators’ and executives’ mandates for service delivery, and allows accountability bodies to exercise their oversight functions in the municipality.
KEY TERMS:
Accountability mechanisms; service delivery; corruption; stewardship theory; public resources; Midvaal Local Municipality.