An analysis of gender equality in the advancement of women in top management positions at local government: A case study of local municipalities within the ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape (2014-2024)

Abstract

In South Africa, the representation and visibility of women in local government leadership still lags behind despite the introduction of many regulatory and legislative frameworks. Existing research shows that women advancement to senior management positions at local government level is slowly improving but there is limited research which shows progress of women advancing to top management positions at local government. This study sought to understand the extent of the implementation of the South African gender equality legislation and policies to advance women’s progression to top management positions in local municipalities of the ZF Mgcawu District in the Northern Cape. The study is underpinned by four theories, namely the Glass Ceiling Theory, Upper Echelon Theory, Role Congruity Theory and Critical Race Theory to theoretical analyse gender equality and women leadership at local government level. This is a qualitative interpretive documentary study. The study employed purposive sampling and documentary analysis to select and collect data from secondary sources that are publicly available. The thematic analysis method was used to analysis the collected data. The findings reveal that there is an underrepresentation of females in top management positions in the ZF Mgcawu District municipality and its five local municipalities. The research findings also reveal that since the passing of the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Act of 2014 only one female was temporarily appointed at top management level at the Kheis Local Municipality in 2014. From 2014 until 2024, no female has been appointment at top management level across the district. The study further reveals that municipalities in the ZF Mgcawu District failed to implement national legislation and policies relating to women empowerment through recruiting and appointing qualified and competent women into top management. The study provides recommendations on how municipalities can enhance the acceleration of women empowerment in leadership.