The role of local government in improving public service delivery in rural areas: A case of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
Sihle Mathumbu ORCID ↗ · Zolani Tafeni ORCID ↗
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 3 · 484-495
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Observed 21 Oct 2026, 00:14 UTC
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Abstract
Rural public service delivery is difficult due to poor healthcare, education, clean water, and infrastructure. In underdeveloped countries, resource limits and governance issues can impede progress. Old infrastructure, financial mismanagement, and governance challenges in King Sabata Dalindyebo hinder rural residents' access to electricity, water, and sanitation. The study assessed public service delivery, identified difficulties, and suggested sustainable improvements. This study uses service delivery theory to frame rural development in King Sabata Dalindyebo. The study conducted qualitative research to determine how rural local governments might improve public service delivery, concentrating on KSD. Due to case study approach, this study focuses on KSD. This study collected data using semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling. Data was examined thematically. Electrification and infrastructure have improved, but unequal service distribution, illegal electrical connections, and a lack of long-term investment remain. Sustainable service delivery requires community involvement, but existing efforts to engage the community, especially vulnerable groups like youth, are insufficient. The paper advises increasing electrification funds and using renewable energy to fill service shortages. Stakeholder engagement and digital communication can improve public service delivery. This study adds to the literature by using a rural case from KSD Municipality to demonstrate how local governance flaws, uneven electrification, and narrow community inclusion affect service delivery. It offers grounded qualitative evidence from a rural Eastern Cape municipality and emphasises the necessity of integrating governing arrangements to inhabitants' lived experiences in judging municipal service delivery.
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Sihle Mathumbu
Walter Sisulu University
Zolani Tafeni
Walter Sisulu University
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