The LGMIM is a model or framework that is used to measure or benchmark the institutional performance of municipalities across a number of key performance areas (KPAs). In each KPA, performance is assessed against standards established with the assistance of relevant sector departments (e.g. National Treasury for financial management and Department of Water & Sanitation for water and sanitation services). LGMIM looks at the municipality from various angles concurrently, thus adopting a holistic approach to institutional performance analysis. LGMIM does not duplicate existing monitoring by sector departments or the auditing conducted by the Auditor-General. Instead, LGMIM draws on existing evidence from municipalities and secondary data from oversight bodies when conducting the assessment.
The LGMIM framework is built around six (6) KPAs against which compliance and the quality of management practices is assessed, namely:
· Integrated Development Planning and Implementation
· Service Delivery
· Human Resource Management
· Financial Management
· Community Engagement/Participation
· Governance
The KPAs are further broken down into Management Performance Standards against which performance is measured.
What differentiates LGMIM from other monitoring processes is that it provides a consolidated view of a municipality’s performance across several critical KPAs, thus making it easier to prioritise areas that are in need of significant improvement. At the same time LGMIM can assist sector departments and other stakeholders in identifying areas where frameworks and guidelines could be improved.
