An analysis of the politics and administration nexus in municipal policy making: a case of Emalahleni local municipality, Eastern Cape

Abstract

This research entitled, “AN ANALYSIS OF THE POLITICS AND ADMINISTRATION NEXUS IN MUNICIPAL POLICY MAKING: A CASE OF EMALAHLENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, EASTERN CAPE was aimed at assessing the challenges encountered by both political office bearers and public office bearers in policy making. Using a qualitative research approach that consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews fused with secondary data, the study established that several factors act as barriers in realizing the politics administration relationship in the municipality. External interference in municipal appointments, cadre deployments and overlapping roles of political office bearers create antagonistic relationships between the two offices. The study, however, recommended that cadre deployment should be abolished to realize a fair and free appointment of officer bearers. External interference from high political offices should be dealt with to enhance the autonomy of the Municipal Manager and that of Executive Mayor. There should be monitoring and evaluation of the roles and duties of officials and political office bearers to avoid overlapping functions.