Representation of Women in local Government in South Africa : a case study of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the extent of women representation in the Councils of the Local Municipalities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West, Province of South Africa. The specific objectives of the study are to investigate the ratio of women representation at both the political and administrative structures of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality; and examine the factors which inhibit the realization of the women quotas at the District Municipality level. This is an empirical study which utilized both the qualitative and quantitative approaches in the collection and analysis of data. The study identifies the extent of women representation and establishes that there is insufficient women representation in general within local governance in South Africa and in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in particular. As a consequence, although the critical legislative and policy has been enacted, presentation of women in local governance still remains a challenge.