LGL3702 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 11 SEPTEMBER 2026
Principles, types of service delivery mechanisms and capacities needed for
effective municipal service delivery
Municipalities must give people basic services like water, electricity, refuse removal and
sanitation in a way that lasts. Section 152(1)(b) of the Constitution says one main job of
local government is to make sure services reach communities in a sustainable way.
The White Paper on Local Government (1998) and the Local Government: Municipal
Systems Act 32 of 2000 give the rules for how municipalities choose the best way to
deliver those services.
Principles a municipality must consider
When a municipality decides which delivery method to use, it must follow clear
principles from the White Paper on Local Government (1998) pages 113–114 (study
guide Learning Unit 7). These principles help the municipality pick the option that works
best for its people and its area:
, Accessibility - everyone must be able to reach at least a basic level of service.
Simplicity - the service must be easy for ordinary people to use.
Affordability - the service must not cost more than people and the municipality can
pay.
Quality - the service must be suitable, given on time and safe.
Accountability - the municipality stays responsible for the quality of the service.
Integration - planning and delivery must fit together so services last.
Sustainability - the service must keep working into the future.
Value for money - the municipality must get the best result for the money spent.
Promotion of competitiveness - costs must be clear so businesses know what to
expect.
Promotion of the new constitutional values - the service must support dignity,
equality and other values in the Constitution.
Section 73 of the Systems Act adds that services must be fair and easy to reach, use
resources carefully, stay financially and environmentally sustainable, and be checked
regularly so they can improve (study guide pages 133-134). Section 78 of the same Act
forces the municipality to look at costs and benefits, its own skills, the effect on jobs, the
views of workers and the community, and whether the option gives value for money and
helps the poor before it chooses any mechanism.
Types of service delivery mechanisms
The law allows two big groups of mechanisms: internal and external (section 76 of the
Systems Act). Internal mechanisms stay inside the municipality. They can be a normal
DUE 11 SEPTEMBER 2026
Principles, types of service delivery mechanisms and capacities needed for
effective municipal service delivery
Municipalities must give people basic services like water, electricity, refuse removal and
sanitation in a way that lasts. Section 152(1)(b) of the Constitution says one main job of
local government is to make sure services reach communities in a sustainable way.
The White Paper on Local Government (1998) and the Local Government: Municipal
Systems Act 32 of 2000 give the rules for how municipalities choose the best way to
deliver those services.
Principles a municipality must consider
When a municipality decides which delivery method to use, it must follow clear
principles from the White Paper on Local Government (1998) pages 113–114 (study
guide Learning Unit 7). These principles help the municipality pick the option that works
best for its people and its area:
, Accessibility - everyone must be able to reach at least a basic level of service.
Simplicity - the service must be easy for ordinary people to use.
Affordability - the service must not cost more than people and the municipality can
pay.
Quality - the service must be suitable, given on time and safe.
Accountability - the municipality stays responsible for the quality of the service.
Integration - planning and delivery must fit together so services last.
Sustainability - the service must keep working into the future.
Value for money - the municipality must get the best result for the money spent.
Promotion of competitiveness - costs must be clear so businesses know what to
expect.
Promotion of the new constitutional values - the service must support dignity,
equality and other values in the Constitution.
Section 73 of the Systems Act adds that services must be fair and easy to reach, use
resources carefully, stay financially and environmentally sustainable, and be checked
regularly so they can improve (study guide pages 133-134). Section 78 of the same Act
forces the municipality to look at costs and benefits, its own skills, the effect on jobs, the
views of workers and the community, and whether the option gives value for money and
helps the poor before it chooses any mechanism.
Types of service delivery mechanisms
The law allows two big groups of mechanisms: internal and external (section 76 of the
Systems Act). Internal mechanisms stay inside the municipality. They can be a normal
