Municipal demarcation decision challenges on financial non-viability of the Vhembe district municipality

Abstract

In most cases, when the Municipal Demarcation Board announces its intention to demarcate municipal and provincial boundaries, it faces a backlash from the local community of the affected areas. Some of the concerns raised by the community are lack of consultation when arriving at a decision to determine, redetermine and amalgamation of municipal boundaries. The resistance by the communities to these boundary changes could be as a result of fear of decline in the level of service delivery, should the areas be moved to another municipal boundary and to certain extent tribalism could be a contributory factor. Based on the govern-mentality theory, this article explores the tenets of good governance to be achieved through public participation and to be adopted for local government in order to develop and strengthen structures for local government. The literature reveals that the impact of municipal boundary changes on the financial viability of municipalities is highly contested. In theoretical terms the literature suggests that the consolidation of municipalities improve effectiveness and efficiency.