Assessing the role of councillors in service delivery at local government level in South Africa: Research Report No 125

This research report presents the findings of a study that explores the role of elected public representatives (local councillors) in service delivery. According to the Handbook for Municipal Councillors, the broad mandate of local government officials is to promote developmental local government and facilitate socio-economic development at the local municipal level. The study uses four municipal case studies to examine the role of councillors in municipal service delivery. The research findings highlight the experiences of elected leaders in facilitating local government service delivery. The research project was carried out in 2009/2010.