25/06/2026 - 12:45 - Doyen 22

Uma Kollamparambil

(University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg)

will give a presentation on 

Life Satisfaction and Basic Public Service Delivery Satisfaction: A Trend and Decomposition analysis

Abstract

This longitudinal study (2011-2024) analyses the relationship between satisfaction with basic public services and life satisfaction in Gauteng, South Africa. It addresses a critical gap in the literature, being the first such longitudinal exploration of the role of basic amenities in driving life satisfaction trends. Trend analysis reveals a significant co-movement: a recent, rapid deterioration in satisfaction with amenities (water, sanitation, electricity, roads, costs) parallels a non-linear trend in life satisfaction that peaked in 2015 before declining. This pattern was consistent across sub-populations by gender and political generations. However, pronounced disparities emerged across socioeconomic status, with the highest wealth quintile reporting consistently higher satisfaction, albeit showing a steeper decline in recent years. A concerning generational gap has also materialized, with the post-apartheid generation reporting significantly lower life satisfaction in the most recent period of study.
Regression and decomposition analyses confirm basic service delivery as a universal driver of well-being. Satisfaction with core services significantly influenced life satisfaction trends, acting as a positive driver during improvements and a negative driver during decline. The socioeconomic life satisfaction gap is primarily attributed to disparities in the levels of public service satisfaction, not differential returns to it. The generational gap is chiefly explained by wealth inequalities.
The findings underscore that enhancing overall life satisfaction requires improved delivery of basic amenities. Furthermore, bridging persistent gaps necessitates targeted service delivery to disadvantaged groups and a focused effort on the structural inequalities driving generational discontent.

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