Risk management in the South African local government and its impact on service delivery

Abstract

Risk management in the public sector is influenced by various variables, including change in a complex and uncertain environment, reliable risk intelligence and the knowledge and skills necessary to assess threats and opportunities that may negatively affect service delivery. This article focuses on risk management in South African local government. To this end, the article provides an overview of the conceptual elements of risk management in general. In addition, the article provides a discussion of risk management in local government in South Africa and the current state thereof. This article is descriptive in nature, utilising unobtrusive research techniques. The findings of this study reveal that there are support mechanisms in place in terms of the strategic, structural and systems aspects of organisations in the South African local government; however, the organisational culture in terms of establishing risk awareness and buy-in still require support in local government.