Communication in the South African public participation process : the effectiveness of communication tools

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyse the importance and the effectiveness of communication tools used by the legislatures in the South African public participation process. Public participation is one of the cornerstones of democracy in modern governments which if well cherished may satisfy the needs of the majority of the citizens and gives them pride as contributors to adopted policy decisions. People’s voices are important in decisions that are taken by the government on their behalf. The people and access to information about public participation is not as easy as it sound in the public administration environment. This article therefore uses literature approach in order to argue that communication in the public participation process would not improve policy decision making in South Africa unless effective communication tools are adopted. This article concludes that improved effective communication approach to the citizens of the country can assist the communities to participate in policy decision-making in a manner that is effective.