Masibulele Fiko, Sanjay Balkara, Beauty Makiwane, Samson Asoba
This study adopted Glaser and Strauss’ (1967) grounded theory technique to derive social and community based concepts for addressing the water and sanitation backlog at a rural Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Data was collected from thirty (30) community representatives through a focus group discussion. The data collected this way was analysed through concepts of theoretical sampling and theoretical sensitivity. Socially and community routed techniques such as social dialogue, social learning, use of indigenous knowledge systems, community participation and social entrepreneurship were found to be critical for addressing problems related to the water and sanitation backlog in the community. The study recommends that the South African should adopt community driven and socially responsible strategies to addressing he water and sanitation challenges associated with water and sanitation backlog in the Municipality