Examining the Challenges faced in Service Delivery by South African Rural Communities after 28 years of Democratic Government Administration: The Case of Sekhukhune Municipal Areas-Limpopo Province

The purpose of this study was to examine and discuss the challenges faced by South African rural communities in the provision of public services with specific reference to Sekhukhune District Municipal (SDM) areas in Limpopo province. It sought to find out if the South African government, especially, SDM has achieved its purpose of delivering public services to the people. The findings revealed that most South Africans and rural communities, in particular, are still facing challenges in the provision of public services, 28 years after the inception of democratic local government administration, especially in the provision of water and sanitation, healthcare services, electricity, employment, and transport and roads infrastructure. People of Sekhukhune are still fetching water from the streams, using firewood for food consumption, relieving themselves in ether pit toilets, bushes, or mountains, travelling long distances on foot and on gravel roads, and depending on the government’s social grants for their survival. Despite the democratic local government administration which was incepted 28 years ago, rural people, especially in SDM areas are still experiencing some challenges regarding service delivery such as water and sanitation, electricity, healthcare services, employment and transport, and road infrastructure. This study recommends that the South African government, and local government in particular, should close the gap between the rural and the urban areas with regard to the provision of public services. The study provides data for researchers, policymakers, government officials as well as tertiary students dealing with the provision of public services. Keywords: South Africa, Rural Communities, Democratic Local Government, Service Delivery, Sekhukhune