Research Articles (School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA))

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/2506

The SPMA is well-placed within the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences to expose students to a multi-disciplinary education.This allows for cross fertilization between fields and the holistic development of our graduates. Domestic and global challenges require that professionals and experts be multi-disciplinary in approach and that they be multi-skilled. Students and scholars of this field of study are experiencing a greater understanding of how international public officials institutions function. Students are now exposed to the possibility of seeking employment opportunities in international organisations like the United Nations, Organisation of African Unity, Commonwealth Secretariat, the World Bank, etc. SPMA commits itself to providing students and its teaching staff the privilege to acquire the knowledge and expertise appropriate for international management and administration.

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Navigating hostility: digital and social strategies among young men who have sex with men in Southern Nigeria
Ayodele, Austin A.; Oyedeji, Jonathan Kehinde; Ogunsemoyin, Olubusayo (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
In Nigeria, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men face a challenging socio-legal environment characterised by criminal laws and moral restrictions, which impact their health, identity, and sense of belonging. Findings from this study of young men who have sex with men illustrate how they navigate such restrictions through both digital and social means. Reflexive thematic analysis grounded in queer theory and social identity theory was used to analyse data from in-depth interviews with 30 men who have sex with men aged 18 to 29 from five southern states, complemented by non-participant observation. Findings highlight the pivotal role of digital platforms in managing visibility, developing peer support, and sustaining community ties. Offline social spaces proved vital for reinforcing shared identity and offering emotional and material support. Socioeconomic challenges and erotic capital influenced participation and resource access within social networks. Rather than understanding all men who have sex with men in Nigeria as powerless and vulnerable, the study emphasises their active role in negotiating sex, sexuality, health and survival in a restrictive social context. Findings deepen understanding of how digital engagement and community solidarity can bolster health and well-being in a deeply conservative environment.
Testing the effects of merit appointments and bureaucratic autonomy on governmental performance : evidence from African bureaucracies
Fernandez, Sergio; Cheema, Faisal (Wiley, 2025-09)
Appointing bureaucrats based on merit and protecting them from excessive political interference have become bedrocks of modern bureaucracy. Populist leaders throughout the world, however, are looking to undermine merit systems and politicize bureaucracies. This study analyzes the impact of merit-based appointments and bureaucratic autonomy on service delivery effectiveness, using longitudinal data from a panel of African countries. Throughout Africa, social, economic, and political conditions have made it difficult for meritocratic and autonomous bureaucracies to take root and flourish as they have elsewhere. Despite these challenges, the study's main finding is that the practice of appointing bureaucrats based on merit has a positive effect on the provision of public services like transportation infrastructure, standardized education, drinking water, sanitation, and waste disposal. Political leaders undercutting meritocratic civil services and expanding patronage appointments do so at their own peril due to the adverse consequences of their actions on governmental performance. Little evidence is found of a relationship between bureaucratic autonomy and service delivery effectiveness.
Multidimensional poverty and deprivation in informal settlements : a gendered perspective from the South African Multidimensional Poverty Index
Mazenda, Adrino; Lubinga, Stellah N.; Boks, Hayley; Lubinga, Moses (Wiley, 2026-06)
Rapid urbanisation and persistent socio-economic inequality continue to entrench multidimensional poverty within South Africa's urban informal settlements, with women and female-headed households experiencing disproportionate deprivation. This study analysed primary household survey data collected in 2023 from 322 households across three informal settlements in Tshwane (Pretoria) using an adapted South African Multidimensional Poverty Index (SAMPI) framework to examine gendered patterns of poverty. The findings indicate that 78 per cent of households were multidimensionally poor, with an average intensity of deprivation of 49 per cent, reflecting deep and overlapping deficits in living standards, education, and employment-related outcomes. Clear spatial disparities were evident across the settlements. Olievenhoutbosch recorded the lowest Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) value of 0.347, while Nellmapius exhibited the highest MPI at 0.409, signalling more severe and concentrated deprivation. Gender-based analysis further revealed that female-headed households consistently experienced higher levels of multidimensional poverty compared to male-headed households, underscoring persistent structural inequalities linked to labour market exclusion, caregiving burdens, and limited access to productive assets. The findings call for integrated urban policies that prioritise gender-responsive service delivery, targeted livelihood support, and improved access to housing, education, and employment opportunities within informal settlements to reduce multidimensional poverty.
Emergence of cyber-spiritualism in Ughelli : the Ghana-Burgers cybercrime rampage in Nigeria
Ayodele, Austin A. (Springer, 2026-01)
In Nigeria, cybercrime has evolved into a complex socio-cultural phenomenon, especially among youths in urban and semi-urban communities. Prior studies focused on urban cybercrime, leaving gaps regarding combined cyber-fraud networks and ritualistic practices influencing Ghana-burger operations in Ughelli, Nigeria. The study examined the socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional drivers sustaining cybercrime among the Ghana-Burgers, an organised group of cybercriminals known for combining internet fraud with ritual practices. This study aims to answer the question: What factors sustain the Ghana-Burgers’ cyber-spiritualism in Ughelli. The study adopted a descriptive design grounded in cultural deviance and social learning theories. Thirty participants, including Ghana-Burgers, EFCC officials, police officers, vigilantes, youth leaders, and community members, were purposely selected and reached through the snowball technique. Economic hardship, peer pressure, increasing access to ritualistic practices, and ICT tools motivated youths into cybercrime. “HK” (Hustling Kingdom) houses function as training hubs where cybercrime apprenticeship, fraud tactics and networks are taught and established. Ritual sacrifices, fortification and charms obtained by parents reinforced cyber-spiritualism, while success in cybercrime became a new standard of respect and aspiration, influencing more youths within communities. This undermined formal education, attracting teenagers groomed for the trade. Although these activities disrupted moral and educational norms, they also reduced cultism and other violent crimes in the area. The study highlighted that cyber-spiritualism is not merely economic but has become a socially accepted, culturally reinforced path to status and mobility. It recommends community-based youth empowerment programmes, digital literacy, family reorientation campaigns, and the integration of local security networks into formal crime prevention strategies.
Patronage politicking in Africa : a scoping review of emerging issues of clientelism and prebendalism in South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe
Ayodele, Austin A.; Musekiwa, Takudzwa; Oyedeji, Jonathan K. (Brill Academic, 2026-05-15)
This review examines the dynamics of patronage politics, clientelism and prebendalism in South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, exploring their historical roots, contemporary manifestations and implications for governance. Drawing on a systematic synthesis of peer-reviewed literature and applying the prisma 2020 framework, we find that patronage politics have evolved in South Africa, reinforcing factionalism and crony capitalism, weakening governance and public sector efficiency. In Nigeria, prebendalism has entrenched corruption and elite resource appropriation and has facilitated its federal structure and oil wealth distribution. Zimbabwe’s political landscape is characterised by entrenched patron–client networks marked by elite capture of institutions, cronyism and unprecedented rent-seeking behaviour that persists despite severe economic constraints. The review highlights the role of historical legacies, socio-political structures and institutional weaknesses in sustaining the impact of patronage on grassroots political engagement and informal resilience mechanisms. There is a need for governance reforms, institutional strengthening and policy innovations to mitigate the effects of clientelism and prebendalism on democratic consolidation and sustainable development in Africa.
Food choice and diet quality of women-led fishing households in Tanzania
Mazenda, Adrino; Kipkorir, Kemboi M.; Assila, Rodney; Katiyatiya, Chenaimoyo Lufutuko Faith (Routledge, 2026)
The paper analyzed food choices and dietary diversity among 282 women-headed households engaged in small-scale fisheries in Tanzania, using secondary data from the 2021 Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) fisheries survey. Dietary quality was measured using the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) from a 24-hour recall, and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified underlying dietary patterns. The results show that diets are dominated by staple foods and fish, with limited consumption of nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, dairy, and poultry. HDDS indicates a polarized distribution of dietary diversity, reflecting inequality in food access across households. PCA reveals distinct dietary regimes, including staple-based and fish-dependent patterns, alongside emerging consumption of processed foods. Policy interventions should prioritize improving market access, supporting diversification into nutrient-rich foods, and strengthening local food systems. In addition, enhancing women’s access to productive resources and income-stabilizing mechanisms is critical for improving dietary outcomes.
Multidimensional poverty and welfare in developing urban areas
Mazenda, Adrino; Sari, Ni Putu Wulan Purnama (Springer Nature, 2026-05-16)
Multidimensional poverty extends beyond income deprivation. The study utilised Structural Equation Modelling to analyse the associations among multidimensional poverty, health status, and service satisfaction in Gauteng Province, South Africa. This secondary analysis utilised a dataset collected from 13,616 randomly sampled households across nine urban municipalities. Findings indicate that multidimensional poverty is significantly associated with poorer health outcomes, with statistically mediated associations through healthcare access, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), income, and food satisfaction, and is strongly associated with lower health service satisfaction, mediated by healthcare access, income, and food satisfaction. Targeted, integrated policy interventions that simultaneously improve healthcare access, income stability, and food security are required to mitigate these interconnected associations.
Food insecurity prevalence among households living with non-communicable diseases in the developing metropolitan municipalities of Gauteng, South Africa
Malubane, Cebisabonkhe Notsile; Mazenda, Adrino (Springer Nature, 2026-05-24)
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are an increasingly important driver of urban vulnerability in low- and middle-income countries. The paper examined the causal effect of NCD status on household food insecurity across Gauteng’s metropolitan municipalities using the 2024 South African General Household Survey (n = 4,730). Households with NCDs (n = 1,243) were compared to those without (n = 3,487) using propensity score matching to estimate average treatment effects on food insecurity, measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The descriptive data indicated low overall food insecurity but revealed significant socioeconomic differences between groups. After matching, the findings showed clear spatial heterogeneity. NCD status was associated with a marginal reduction in food insecurity in Johannesburg (ATE = − 0.469, p < 0.10) and with higher food insecurity in Tshwane under stricter matching (ATE = 0.636, p = 0.050), while no significant effects were observed in Ekurhuleni or in the pooled sample. Findings support targeted interventions, including income stabilisation, strengthening urban food systems, and integrating food insecurity into NCD care.
Edible insect foods and nutritional outcomes in rural African children
Mazenda, Adrino; Nkosi, Florence; Makofane, Prudence; Makgatha, Violet; Sekome, Kgotlelelo Kgekolo; Ndarane, Thandekile (Springer, 2026-06-09)
Child malnutrition remains widespread in low-income African contexts, contributing to persistent micronutrient deficiencies, impaired immune function, and suboptimal child growth. Sustainable, nutrient-dense dietary strategies are urgently needed to complement conventional interventions. This systematic review synthesised evidence on the nutritional and functional role of insect-based foods in improving child nutrition outcomes in Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted following standard evidence-synthesis procedures. Studies published between 2014 and 2025 were identified through database searches and screened using predefined inclusion criteria focused on children’s nutritional outcomes, micronutrient bioavailability, and the acceptability of edible insects. Both experimental and observational studies, including dietary modelling and stable-isotope research, were included. Findings show consistent improvements in haemoglobin levels and dietary iron and zinc intake among children consuming insect-enriched foods, with evidence of enhanced mineral bioavailability. Stable-isotope and modelling studies indicate superior zinc absorption and efficient utilisation of high-quality protein from crickets, caterpillars, termites, and mopane worms. However, effects on linear growth were mixed across studies. Acceptability was generally high when insects were incorporated into familiar foods, while taste, texture, caregiver perceptions, and social norms influenced uptake. In essence, insect-based foods represent a viable, culturally adaptable strategy for improving micronutrient intake and addressing hidden hunger in resource-constrained African settings. Policy actions should therefore consider integrating insect-based foods into child nutrition guidelines, school and community feeding programmes, culturally sensitive behaviour-change interventions, support for local insect value chains, and proportionate food-safety regulation.
A systematic review of the barriers to the adoption of digital tools used to support democratic participation in South Africa
Kusiima, Maureen Sylvia; Lubinga, Stellah N.; Masiya, Tyanai (Redfame Publishing, 2026-06-20)
This systematic review examined the barriers to the adoption of digital tools designed to facilitate citizens’ democratic participation in South Africa. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the study systematically synthesised evidence from 48 studies and reports published between 2012 and 2025. The findings revealed that the effective adoption of digital tools is hindered by interconnected structural barriers, including persistent limited access to digital infrastructure, unfavourable regulatory and policy frameworks, coalition-driven political instability, bureaucratic inefficiencies within the government, and limited awareness, as well as a widespread lack of digital literacy among citizens. To address these challenges, there is a need for integrated reforms that recognise broadband access as a human right or a democratic public good, institutionalise digital literacy and skills as a civic competence, and incorporate feedback accountability approaches in governance structures. The study conceptually clarifies the position of digital democracy tools within broader digital-governance theory, distinguishing them from conventional ICT interventions. In practice, it provides policymakers and practitioners with insights to enhance citizen-centred digital governance.
Digital co-creation of public safety knowledge in Cape Town : multi-stakeholders and civil society-led empowerment
Mangai, Mary S.; Wilhelm, Jan Lorenz; Ayodele, Austin A. (Emerald, 2026)
PURPOSE : This study investigates how civil society and multi-stakeholder networks in Cape Town leverage digital tools to co-create public safety knowledge and improve crime-prevention practices. It aims to uncover the mechanisms through which civil society actors, community organisations, neighbourhood watches, private security firms, policing forums and residents collectively deploy digital platforms to enhance information sharing and mutual learning. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : We conducted 26 in-depth interviews in 2023 with representatives of diverse stakeholder groups active in Cape Town's public safety ecosystem. Interview transcripts were analysed using Atlas.ti for inductive content analysis. Open and axial coding allows us to identify emergent themes around self-organised digital solutions and evolving regulatory frameworks. FINDINGS : Grassroots civil society actors drive a digital shift by adopting low-barrier technologies, such as collaborative messaging apps and shared camera-control rooms, that break down silos and accelerate the sharing of real-time insights. Multi-stakeholders report enhanced responsiveness and coordination. Simultaneously, policymakers have introduced updated data protection rules, drone licensing requirements and clarified intellectual property regulations to strike a balance between innovation, privacy, legality and accountability. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : The study's single-city focus and reliance on experts' interview data may limit generalisability. Future research should incorporate comparative case studies across multiple urban contexts and integrate quantitative measures of safety outcomes to validate and extend these findings. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : Our findings offer actionable guidance for municipal authorities, regulators and civil society organisations on designing inclusive, human-centred digital frameworks. Prioritising low-barrier technologies and establishing clear, flexible regulatory pathways can enhance multi-stakeholder collaboration and accelerate operational effectiveness in crime prevention. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS : Digitally empowered networks function as “social glue,” fostering community cohesion and empowering marginalised groups to participate in public safety governance. By breaking down traditional barriers to information sharing, these digital collaborations strengthen social resilience during periods of crisis and chronic insecurity. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This is one of the few in-depth qualitative studies to examine civil society–led digital co-creation of public safety knowledge in Cape Town. It uniquely integrates perspectives on grassroots empowerment, technology adoption and regulatory oversight, providing novel insights for scholars and practitioners seeking to harness civil society's agility in crisis governance.
Analysing the challenges of border securitisation in managing undocumented migration in South Africa
Skota, Siyamthanda; Masiya, Tyanai; Lubinga, Stellah N.; Mthombeni, Zama (Adonis and Abbey Publishers, 2026-03-01)
Undocumented migration remains a persistent policy challenge in South Africa, despite the introduction of progressive immigration reforms since 1994. Existing measures have failed to stem the influx of undocumented migrants. These undocumented migrants are often a result of both domestic and regional dynamics. This study explores the underlying challenges of border securitisation as a tool for managing undocumented migration. Using a qualitative approach, it draws on semi-structured interviews with senior officials and subject-matter experts in migration and border governance. The study reveals numerous pressures undermining border control efforts. Domestically, porous borders, overstays, limited visa options, and bureaucratic inefficiencies were cited as key issues. Regionally, socio-economic instability, political unrest, and environmental stressors in neighbouring countries emerged as significant drivers of undocumented movement into South Africa. The study concludes by proposing a more integrated and nuanced approach for addressing undocumented migration, emphasising a multi-dimensional approach to policy and enforcement.
Assessing the capacity of community education and training colleges to support local government skills development initiatives
Van der Waldt, Gerrit; Fourie, D.J. (David Johannes); Malan, Cornel (Stellenbosch University, 2026-04-25)
This article reports on the assessment of the capacity of Community Education and Training Colleges (CETC) to facilitate skills development initiatives within South African municipalities. With a focus on the vital role of local government in driving socio-economic development, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing workforce landscape, understanding the effectiveness of CETCs in supporting local government's skills development endeavours is crucial. The study employed an empirical approach, utilising a combination of document analysis, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to gather insights from stakeholders involved in both the CETC system and local government. Through a structured analysis of data collected the study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current state of collaboration between CETCs and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) in advancing the skills development agenda. The findings of the study offer valuable insights for education administrators and local government officials, informing strategies to enhance the more effective alignment between CETC educational programmes and the scarce skills identified by the LGSETA, ultimately contributing to more effective skills development outcomes and employment opportunities.
Barriers to implementing the national framework for municipal indigent policies in Eastern Cape municipalities, South Africa : an ambiguity-conflict model perspective
Kuhlengisa, Impi Rungano; Masiya, Tyanai; Lubinga, Stellah N. (Batalea Publishers, 2025-09)
This study examined the barriers to implementing the National Framework for Municipal Indigent Policies (NFMIP) in Eastern Cape Municipalities. The study employed a qualitative research approach with a multiple case study design. Data was gathered from a representative sample of 21 participants as a result of data saturation through structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed eight main challenges negatively affecting the NFMIP, namely stringent documentation and verification processes, failure to stipulate how to deal with child-headed households, inadequate focus on delivering sufficient services, failure to recognise rural indigents’ needs, lack of clarity concerning infrastructure development, political squabbles, lack of funding, obsolete infrastructure, and lack of administrative. When analysed through Matland’s Ambiguity-Conflict Model, the study findings illustrate that some barriers stem from technical and bureaucratic inefficiencies, while others are rooted in political conflicts and structural weaknesses. This article contributes to the body of knowledge on the persistent and context-specific barriers hindering the effective implementation of the National Framework for Municipal Indigent Policies in Eastern Cape municipalities. Additionally, by employing Matland’s Ambiguity-Conflict Model as an analytical lens, the research advances understanding of how technical inefficiencies, political dynamics, and structural limitations intersect to impede policy implementation. The findings offer practical and policy-relevant recommendations to improve service delivery to indigent populations.
Integrating Ubuntu philosophy in South African legislation for managing public sector ethics
Musekiwa, Takudzwa; Masiya, Tyanai; Lubinga, Stellah N. (Conscientia Beam, 2025)
Extant research demonstrates that indigenous ethical systems can significantly shape public administrators’ decision-making processes. However, the inclusion of indigenous ethical systems has been limited. The exclusion of indigenous ethical systems like Ubuntu from South Africa’s public sector ethics framework has resulted in a lack of cultural relevance, weakening ethical conduct, undermining accountability and trust, and limiting the framework’s effectiveness in promoting integrity and combating corruption. This article aims to assess the potential of integrating the Ubuntu philosophy into South African legislation for managing public sector ethics. This article employs a qualitative approach. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data to examine the frequency with which Ubuntu philosophy is integrated into existing legislation from secondary sources for managing public sector ethics. Findings of the study reveal limited incorporation of Ubuntu philosophy in the existing legislative framework for managing public sector ethics, resulting in lack of ethical governance and accountability in South Africa. To address the lack of incorporation of Ubuntu principles in the above legislation, there is a need for explicit references to the Ubuntu principles. This study contributes to public administration scholarship by critically highlighting the limited integration of the Ubuntu philosophy within South Africa’s public sector ethics legislation and offering practical recommendations for embedding indigenous ethical principles to enhance cultural relevance, strengthen ethical conduct, and improve accountability and integrity in public service delivery.
Health consideration in food consumption : impacts of education level and custom rules adherence
Sari, Ni Putu Wulan Purnama; Mazenda, Adrino; Tristiana, R.R. Dian (Intelektual Pustaka Media Utama, 2025-03)
Individual attributes, such as educational background, may influence the degree of health consideration in food consumption. The local social norms may affect the same consideration in the collective level. Represented by education level and the custom rules adherence in food choosing behavior, this study aimed to examine how knowledge influences health consideration in food consumption and how the local social norms moderate this association in a multicultural enriched society. By utilizing the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) as a conceptual framework, this study analyzed a dataset of 710 urban residents in Indonesia. There was a negative association between education level and health consideration in food consumption in which the custom rules adherence in food choosing behavior moderated against this negative association. For those with a low level of custom-based food consumption, their health consideration is lower as they have higher education level. However, the opposite trend which is a more intuitive positive association was found in those who consume more custom-based food. Socio-cultural factors have a complex impact on food choosing behavior among Indonesian urban residents. Therefore, governmental policies in the health promotion campaign of healthy-nutritious food should incorporate socio-cultural aspects with a deeper understanding of the human mind’s information processing.
Rethinking the foundations : a conceptual framework for youth transitions, basic education, and graduate attributes in South Africa
Mthombeni, Zama Mabel (Routledge, 2026)
Graduate attributes such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic literacy are often positioned as higher education outcomes, yet their foundations need to be laid much earlier in schooling. This study explores how South Africa’s fragmented education system shapes youth transitions from basic to higher education, focusing on the misalignment between the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and university expectations. Using Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a system-level analytical lens, the study employs a qualitative research method a systematic literature review (2010–2025), which helps examine how systemic, institutional, and personal factors affect student preparedness. The Findings reveal disrupted learning continuity, inequitable resource distribution, and inadequate transition support mechanisms that undermine epistemic access. The study proposes a conceptual framework that explains how policy conditions, learner information, institutional support and adaptive strategies interact across educational phases to shape graduate attribute development.
South African municipal performance through the lens of Batho Pele principles : a public perspective
Masiya, Tyanai; Davids, Yul Derek; Lubinga, Stellah N.; Roberts, Benjamin James; Sausi, Kombi; Sanchez, Diana; Mangai, Mary S. (Christ University Bangalore, 2025)
Please read abstract in article.
Public opinion in the age of automation : South Africa and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Mthombeni, Zama Mabel (Adonis and Abbey Publishers, 2025-03)
The fourth industrial revolution, a socio-technical ideal of a positive and desirable future, was institutionalised in national settings across the world. It‘s potential impact on South Africa has been repeatedly questioned. Without a doubt, technology in the current era affects every element of human life to a depth and breadth unimaginable to man. Using data from the South African Social Attitudes Values (SASAS), this research explored the variables impacting public perceptions towards the fourth industrial revolution. The paper employed a quantitative methodology (regression-based analysis) and found that attitudes are shaped by diverse demographic variables: age, gender, race, and employment status. The main premise was the opposition citizens expressed towards human labour being replaced by robotic services. This article argues that the urgent need for modern technology must be balanced with a careful consideration of societal goals and values before advancing new innovations. To mitigate potential negative outcomes, it is crucial for the South African government and relevant authorities to consider the concerns and objections raised by citizens.
Hybrid partnership intricacies in South African municipalities
Musekiwa, Takudzwa; Masiya, Tyanai; Lubinga, Stellah N. (AOSIS, 2025-03-14)
BACKGROUND : Hybrid partnerships have emerged as a promising approach for addressing the multifaceted challenges in municipal service delivery. South African municipalities have been experimenting with various forms of hybrid partnerships in the context of mounting service delivery challenges. AIM : This study analyses the intricacies of hybrid partnerships in South African municipalities. SETTING : The study was carried out in the South African municipalities. METHODS : This study used a qualitative methodology within the interpretivist paradigm. To understand and situate hybrid partnerships, this study relied on secondary sources such as credible documents and conceptual analysis. Thematic analysis was utilised to discern recurrent themes, patterns and insights pertaining to hybrid partnerships in South African municipalities, as well as on a global scale. RESULTS : This study found that hybrid partnerships are frequently hindered by various substantial challenges in South African municipalities. Such challenges include power imbalances among parties, burdensome complex legal frameworks, a lack of transparency in decision-making processes, limited resources, interference from political entities and ambiguities in policies. These issues undermine the collaborative governance approach, which seeks to promote equal stakeholder participation, openness and mutual trust. CONCLUSION : Understanding these barriers is crucial for developing effective strategies for enhancing collaboration and improving service delivery at the municipal level. CONTRIBUITION : This research provides timely theoretical and conceptual insights into the factors that affect hybrid partnerships in municipal service delivery. Lastly, the study recommends that policymakers and practitioners strive to establish effective strategies to enhance hybrid partnerships and improve service delivery at the municipal level.

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