ISSN 2039-2117 (online) ISSN 2039-9340 (print) Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy Vol 5 No 27 December 2014 1216 The Experiences of Municipal Management on the Implementation of Performance Management Systems in Lepelle- Nkumpi Local Municipality, in Limpopo Province Ms Kgomotlokoa Linda Thaba University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus, Mankweng), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727 Kgomotlokoa.thaba@ul.ac.za Dr. Maria Matshidiso Kanjere University of Limpopo, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, P O Box 756, Fauna Park, 0787 Maria.kanjere@ul.ac.za Doi:10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1216 Abstract Performance Management Development System has been implemented at local municipalities to measure the performance of the workers and to indirectly combat poor service delivery protests. The program however brought its own inherent challenges. The question that remained was whether the system was effective in developing the workers or not. Thus, an empirical investigation was conducted in Lepelle- Nkumpi local municipality to explore the experiences of municipal management on the implementation of performance management system. The study also looked at the support systems that are in place for the implementation of the programme. Twenty six municipal managers participated in the study, thirteen females and thirteen males. The findings indicated that there is a need to improve on the implementation of Performance Management and Development Systems. Keywords: Performance management system, development, appraisal, evaluation 1. Introduction Service delivery protests in South African allude to a number of problems within the local government system. It was reported in the police database in 2004 and 2005 financial year that about 6000 service delivery protests took place in South Africa. Hence, it is imperative to reflect on the performance management systems that are in place as an attempt to find solutions to these problems. In 2001 the Department of Provincial and Local Government released the Performance Management Guide for municipalities. The argument which was presented was that work had to be measured so that corrections can be made where necessary and rewards be given. Thus, the Performance Management Development System (PMDS) was implemented. Performance Management Development System is a system that includes various activities which ensure that goals are consistently met in an effective and efficient manner. It is a system that focuses on the performance of an organization, department, and employees and even on the processes build to give out a product or service. Swanepoel, Erasmas, Wyk, Schenk (2003: 382) argue that an effective performance management system should enable and empower line management to implement the strategy and objectives of the organisation successfully. When the tool was first implemented, various results in various municipalities were recorded. However, the focus in this study is on Lepelle-Nkumpi municipality. As a point of departure relevant government literature, journal articles, books, websites and legislature were consulted to formulate conceptual framework and develop the elements of best practice. 1.1 Development of Performance Management Systems in Limpopo Province In Limpopo Province, performance management system was developed in 2000 through Simeka Management Consulting. The company was assigned through the Integrated Provincial Support Programme to design and implement a Performance Management system for the whole province. The Simeka tested its product through piloting between February 2001 and February 2002, before it was implemented at a larger scale.