Understanding the Underlying Causes of Corruption and their Implications on Sustainable Service Delivery in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study intends to understand the underlying causes of corruption and their implications on sustainable service delivery in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Corruption threatens democracy and undermines the provisions of the Constitution. Corrupt practices negatively impacts basic services, such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, and employment opportunities. The study uses a qualitative research methodology and the New Public Management (NPM) paradigm to understand the causes of corruption, governance challenges, and poor service delivery. It is found that there is a negative relationship between corruption, governance issues, and sustainable service delivery. The findings suggest that South African municipalities need skilled personnel, oversight, watchdog mechanisms, independent institutions, internal audit, whistleblower protection, and media empowerment to combat corruption and poor governance. Municipalities should adopt e-municipalities (information communication technology) to provide efficient, effective, and sustainable services and further preserve correct financial records.