Implementation of digital governance to enhance oversight in local municipalities

Introduction Digital governance is increasingly promoted as a response to persistent accountability and oversight deficits in South African municipalities, yet empirical evidence on its effectiveness remains fragmented. This study addresses this gap. Methods Through a PRISMA-guided systematic review examining three questions: which digital governance interventions are implemented and with what effects, through which institutional mediators these interventions shape oversight outcomes, and under what conditions digital tools enhance accountability. The review synthesizes evidence from 20 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 using thematic analysis across metropolitan, local, and rural contexts. Results The findings reveal a central paradox. Although municipalities have deployed diverse digital interventions, including revenue management systems, real-time dashboards, and open data platforms, oversight outcomes vary sharply across institutional contexts rather than by technological sophistication. Metropolitan municipalities demonstrate measurable gains in financial transparency and oversight efficiency, whereas rural and under-resourced municipalities face persistent barriers associated with infrastructure deficits, capacity constraints, and weak enforcement. Discussion The review establishes that digital governance primarily magnifies existing institutional conditions rather than serving as an autonomous driver of reform. The study advances a shift from treating technology as a solution to treating it as an enabler and provides evidence-based insights to strengthen the institutional ecosystems underpinning accountable municipal governance.