While the researchers used the same method for each case study, the data available from municipalities was uneven within and amongst areas. Municipal officials did not tend to withhold data, but typically did not have much data to offer. This was particularly the case with municipal financial data, with the notable exception of the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).

Case studies were selected to profile the variety of different institutional arrangements in South Africa, and in-depth research allowed for a deep analysis of the issues at stake in each case. However, having only one or two cases of each institutional arrangement, meant that it was not possible to compare different instances of each arrangement or to make generalisations on the basis of arrangements. It did however allow for the identification of key issues requiring further exploration through a future research and dialogue agenda. These questions in themselves are findings – findings regarding what issues are at stake in each case.

Throughout the WD-SA process, the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) and some members of civil society found the discussion of institutional models to be severely constrained by the fact that it takes place within the present socio-economic paradigm. They argue that neo-liberal thinking has infused the country and the sector. This refers to the state abrogating its responsibility to the market and to individual users through the commercialisation and commodification of services, which is characterised by full cost recovery, payment for services that are a human right, outsourcing, and an approach that views citizens as customers. Most importantly, this paradigm has affected political will, which is key to any real change.