Purpose: This study examined the variations in the adoption of the National Framework for Municipal Indigent Policies in different municipal categories across South Africa. The goal was to contribute towards the strengthening of the adoption of the National framework for municipal indigent across municipalities to ensure improved access to free basic services at the municipal level. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a qualitative research approach and descriptive multiple case study design. Using a representative sample of 21 participants, data was collected through structured interviews and analysed using deductive thematic analysis. Findings: The study revealed significant variations in how the NFMIP is adopted and implemented in different municipal categories. These variations aligned to the following aspects: revenue management, indigent targeting options, indigent service levels, the financial framework, the indigent validity period, and qualification criteria. Originality/value: This study’s originality lies within its comprehensive approach to revising municipal indigent policies. The value of this study is underscored by creating an alternative framework reinforced by creating a more inclusive and equitable social welfare system directly benefiting indigent communities.

municipality; poverty; policy design; policy implementation; municipal categories; indigent policy

Accounting for basic services. (2018). Key Challenges, Gaps and opportunities from policies and Practices in three local communities. Available at www.za.boell.org (Accessed on 10 March 2023).

Alers, C. (2022). Setting A Policy Design Evaluation Framework Indigent Policy. Administratio Publica, 30(2), 46 – 62.

Amathole District Municipality. (2023). Annual Report. Accessed at: http://amathole.gov.za/index.php/page-builder/addons-list-3/annual-reports Accessed on 17 May 2024.

Amathole District Municipality. (2023). Indigent Policy. http://amathole.gov.za/index.php/scm/2023-24-scm-policy?view=article&id=82:2023-24-indigent-policy&catid=40 Accessed on 17 May 2024.

Balie, Q., & Horn, A. (2021). The impact of population growth on municipal revenue: Implications for South African municipalities. Development Southern Africa, 38(6),1046- 1058. DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2021.1975534

Bhan, G. (2014). The real lives of urban fantasies. Environment and Urbanization 26(1): 232–235. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956247813514305. Accessed on 15 January 2024.

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. (2023). Indigent Policy. https://www.buffalocity.gov.za/CM/uploads/documents/8492934668903.pdf. Accessed on 2 March 2024.

Case, G. (2021). Implementing service Level Management. Available at https://www.pinkelephant.com/uploadedFiles/Content/ResourceCenter/PinkPapers/ImplementingServiceLevelManagement.pdf. [Accessed on 12 May 2023].

Chirot, D. (2001). World Systems Theory. International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences. Pergamon.

DPLG. (2003). National Framework for Municipal Indigent Policies. https://www.westerncape.gov.za/text/2012/11/national_framework_for_municipal_indigent_policies.pdf. Accessed on 4 January 2022.

Fuo, O. (2020). Nativism in South African municipal indigent policies through a human rights lens. Law, Democracy and Development, 1 (24), 271- 311.http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2077-4907/2020/ldd.v24.12.

Jacob. F. (2023). Thinking and implementing the World Systems Theory in the 21st Century. Verlag, Bielefeld.

Jacobs, N. P. (2019). Local government revenue enhancement: A case of study of Umsobomvu local municipality. M (Pub Adm) thesis. University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch.

Kaywood, L. (2021). Exploring the History and Development of the Local Government System in South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 12 (3), 42-58.

Khambule, I. (2022). Territorial Impact and Responses to COVID-19 in South Africa: Case Studies of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and KwaDukuza Local Municipality. World 2022, 3, 513–529. https://doi.org/10.3390/world3030028.

Kimemia, D., Van Niekerk, A & Seedat, M. (2021). Paraffin dangers, health and socioeconomic consequences: Urgent need for policy action. South African Medical Journal, 111(1), 17-19. https:// doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2022/13148

Knodler, M. (2022). Equitable Resource Allocation to Improve Safety: An Evaluation Based on Risk. Published Doctoral Thesis, University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Kuhlengisa, I.R. (2021). Influence of Municipal Indigent policy on the provision of potable water in rural communities. Unpublished Master Dissertation, University of Pretoria. Pretoria.

Kuhlengisa, I.R. (2024). The applicability of the National Framework for Municipal Indigent Policies to different municipal categories in the Eastern Cape. Unpublished Doctoral Thesis, University of Pretoria. Pretoria.

Kwenda, P., Ntuli, M & Mudiriza, G. (2023). Exploring unemployment differentials between former and non-former homeland areas in South Africa: A decomposition approach. Development Southern Africa, 40(1), 166-190. DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2021.1983411.

Leburu, M. C. (2018). An analysis of the implementation of the Indigent Policy by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Unpublished Masters Dissertation. Pretoria: University of Pretoria.

Ledger, T. (2021). Broken Promises: Electricity access for low-income households: good policy intentions, bad trade-offs and unintended consequences. Public Affairs Research Institute. https://justurbantransitions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Broken-Promises_PARI.pdf. Accessed on 14 February 2023.

Majali, L. (2019). Municipal infrastructure grant and service delivery in Theewaterskloof and Overstrand Municipalities. Unpublished Masters Dissertation, University of Cape Town.

Mansoor, Z & Williams, M.J. (2018). Systems approaches to public service delivery: lessons from health, education, and infrastructure. Paper prepared for the workshop Systems of Public Service Delivery in Developing Countries on 14–15 May 2018, at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

Maramura, T.C. (2017). The efficacy of prepaid water meters for potable water service Provision in the Harare City Council, Zimbabwe. Unpublished PhD thesis North West

Mashau, N.L & Kroeze, J.H. (2023). Challenges that affect smart city implementation in small and rural municipalities. South African Journal of Information Management, 25(1): a1703. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-info_v25_n1_a1703.

Matyana, M & Thusi, X. (2023). Unemployment and poverty in South Africa: Assessing the National Development Plan 2030 predictions. International Journal of Development and Sustainability,12(6), 212-226.

Mosala, S. (2020). Analysing the state of basic services access in the Free State Province: The road towards universal access. Available at: https://www.treasury.fs.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Analysing-the-state-of-basic-services-access-in-FS.pdf. Accessed on 14 January 2024.

Mthiyane, D.B., Wissink, H & Chiwawa, N. (2022). The impact of rural–urban migration in South Africa: A case of KwaDukuza municipality. Journal of Local Government Research and Innovation, 3(0), a56. https://doi.org/10.4102/jolgri.v3i0.56

Mukonavanhu, T., Ukwandu, D & Nel-Sanders, D. (2021). South African indigent water policy and its impact on the lives of the poor in local governments. The International Journal of Sustainability Policy and Practice, 18 (1), 55-70. https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v9i1.536

Ngarava, S. (2023). Effectiveness of the indigent support policy on food insecurity in South Africa: Experiences from Matatiele L ocal Municipality. Heliyon. 12 (8), e19080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19080

Ngqushwa Local Municipality. 2023. Indigent Policy. https://ngqushwamun.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/INDIGENT-POLICY-2021-22.pdf. Accessed on 14 May 2024.

Patience, J.J. & Nel, D. (2021). Municipal infrastructure management and its impact on service delivery in the City of Ekurhuleni. Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 9(1), a508.https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v9i1.508

Pillay, K.B. (2021). An exploration of the eThekwini Municipality’s indigent policy and its administration focusing on the provision of basic services. Unpublished PhD Thesis. Durban: University of Kwazulu Natal.

Propheter, G. (2019). An Exploration of Revenue Structure Characteristics in Rural Municipalities. State and Local Government Review, 51(1), 46-56. https://doi.org/10.1177/0160323X19846928

Rangwato, T.E., Mukonza, R. & Molepo, J. (2022). The spending of municipal infrastructure grant at Ba-Phalaborwa municipality. Journal of Local Government Research and Innovation, 3(0), a88. https://doi.org/10.4102/jolgri.v3i0.88

Shayamano, M. (2020). A model for sustainable potable water provision in local government: a case study of Norton Town Council in Zimbabwe. Unpublished Masters Dissertation. University of Venda.

Shongwe, B. R & Meyer, D.F. (2023). Service Delivery Challenges within Rural Communities: The Case of the Nkomazi Local Municipal Area. Administratio Publica, 31(2), 136 -159. https://doi.org/10.35683/jcm23021.213

Statistics South Africa. (2020). Non-financial census of municipalities for the year ended 30 June 2020. Available at: https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P9115/P91152020.pdf. (Accessed on 22 July 2022).

Tshishonga, N. (2021). Prospects and Challenges of Transforming Local Government into a Learning Organisation. African Journal of Public Affairs, 12(1), 28-45.

Wallerstein, I. (1974). The Rise and Future Demise of the World Capitalist System: Concepts for Comparative Analysis. Comparative Studies in Society and History, 16(4): 387-415.