Public participation at local government level in South Africa : a critical analysis of integrated development planning and ward committees

The introduction of a democratic dispensation in South Africa in April 1994, drew the idea of public participation in public affairs into the spotlight. Section 152 (I) of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) provides for public involvement in the sphere of local government by compelling it to "provide democratic and accountable government for local communities; and encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government." The intention behind the decentralisation refonns was to transfonn local councils into organs with significant responsibility for the socio-economic well-being of all communities. Municipalities are mandated to promote developmental local govel11ment which focuses on development in an integrated and sustainable manner, and address socio-economic inequalities. The objective of this thesis is to establish whether structures at local government level which are set up to enhance public participation in local decision-making, are effective and whether participation is meaningful. Particular attention will be given to prominent platforms for public participation at local government level namely: Integrated Development Planning and Ward Committees in the period post-2000 to date. Subjecting such approaches to rigorous critical analysis is as important as constantly asserting their benefits. For the purposes of this dissertation secondary sources will be used; looking at books, briefing and conference papers, academic debates and literature and past studies done on lDPs and ward committees in practice in different areas in South Africa. Literature assessing the cunent state of public participation in local government will be articulated and analysed. The challenges identified are grouped into three broad themes, namely, political, administrative/capacity, and sociological.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Political Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Mngxali, Nonkosi

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3751

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/3751