Thulare, TumisoMaremi, Keneilwe J2026-01-272026-01-272025-11978-1-952092-86-2http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14653This paper assesses the operational readiness of the City of Mbombela for implementing e Governance, focusing specifically on e-Participation to improve service delivery. Using a qualitative case study design approach, the research involves document analysis, secondary data, and key informant interviews to evaluate four readiness areas: digital infrastructure, institutional capacity, legal frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. Findings reveal that while Mbombela demonstrates policy alignment and partial ICT adoption, challenges persist in bridging the digital divide, strengthening interdepartmental coordination, and promoting inclusive citizen participation. Comparative insights from global examples like Seoul, Nairobi, Reykjavik, Cape Town, and Estonia suggest adaptable strategies such as mobile-first platforms, community access points, participatory budgeting, and open data dashboards. Building on these lessons, the paper proposes a phased roadmap for Mbombela, including broadband expansion, pilot digital engagement programs, digital literacy initiatives, and multi-stakeholder partnerships. The study contributes to e-Governance scholarship by contextualising operational readiness within the realities of South African municipalities, offering both a conceptual framework and practical strategies for institutionalising inclusive e-Participation. The paper concludes that sustainable e-Governance in Mbombela requires bridging technical, social, and institutional gaps while embedding citizen engagement into governance structures.FulltextenE-governanceE-participationOperational readinessService deliveryConference PresentationN/A