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COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Service Delivery Challenges in South African Municipalities

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research published in the African Journal of Governance and Development has investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service delivery in the Lepelle-Nkumpi local municipality in South Africa. The study found that the pandemic exacerbated existing service delivery challenges, including inadequate provision of water, electricity, sanitation, and refuse collection services. The researchers used a quantitative approach to collect and analyze data from 449 households, relying on the theory of social change as a theoretical lens. The study concluded that the municipality was overwhelmed by the pandemic, and recommends the use of ICT for service delivery during crises.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing service delivery challenges in South African municipalities, including Lepelle-Nkumpi local municipality.
  • The study found that services such as water, electricity, sanitation, and refuse removal collection were not adequately provided during the pandemic.
  • The researchers recommend the use of ICT for service delivery during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The study used a quantitative approach to collect and analyze data from 449 households in selected wards in the municipality.
  • The research relied on the theory of social change as a theoretical lens and interpretation of research findings.
  • The `chi-squared method was used to judge the goodness of fit between expected and observed results coupled with a coefficient of correlation to determine the magnitude and the direction of the relationship between COVID-19 and service delivery.
  • The study specifically highlighted the challenges faced by the Lepelle-Nkumpi municipality, which is one of many local municipalities in South Africa characterized by upheaval incidences of poor provision of essential services.
  • Kagiso Makalela, a researcher from the University of Mpumalanga, is the lead author of the study and can provide more information on the research.
  • The research was published in the African Journal of Governance and Development, a premier academic journal in the field of governance and development in Africa.

Statistics:

  • 449 households participated in the study, which used systematic sampling methods to select participants.
  • The study found that services such as water, electricity, sanitation, and refuse removal collection were not adequately provided during the pandemic.
  • The researchers relied on the theory of social change as a theoretical lens and interpretation of research findings.
  • The chi-squared method was used to judge the goodness of fit between expected and observed results coupled with a coefficient of correlation to determine the magnitude and direction of the relationship between COVID-19 and service delivery.

Sources:

  • The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Service Delivery: An Empirical Analysis of Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality. African Journal of Governance and Development, 2025,14(1):48-66.
  • University of KwaZulu-natal (publisher of African Journal of Governance and Development).
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.36369/2616-9045/2025/v14i1a4 (free version of the journal article).
  • TB & Outbreaks Week, November 4, 2025; p 306.

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