Devising a strategy for IT governance implementation in municipalities. A case study of South Africa

Information technology (IT) has vastly automated business processes in South African municipalities, and the sound design and implementation of IT is key to improved service delivery. The usage of IT is reliant on the implementation of sound IT governance practices, but even with IT frameworks and directives mandated, implementation has proved to be challenging in most municipalities. This research proposes a strategic approach for the effective and viable implementation of IT governance in municipalities in South Africa. The research was carried out by conducting a targeted survey, semistructured interviews with key stakeholders, observations, and analysis of documents. Case studies of different‐sized municipalities were done in order to understand the context in which they operate. Regulatory bodies also participated in the data collection. The data was coded and themes of problems identified and grouped for diagnoses. On the basis of the diagnoses, a strategy was devised to improve the implementation of IT governance in municipalities.