The role of ward committees in facilitating public participation with particular reference to Mamelodi, South Africa

Abstract

The study examines the role of ward committees in facilitating public participation with particular reference to Mamelodi, South Africa. This study is aimed at establishing whether ward committees serve as effective mechanisms to promote public participation in local government and administration. As a result, the study investigates the composition, functioning and responsibilities of ward committees, and their contributions towards effective and efficient municipal government. Qualitative research methodology is adopted, towards the realisation of the aims and objectives of the study. Accordingly, an interview schedule was utilised as a tool that contains the pre-determined questions prepared in order to acquire insight, knowledge and application of the people who are directly involved and familiar with the ward committee processes. An empirical study was conducted to determine if the research answers the problem statement, and also to measure the failures and success of ward committees in enhancing public participation. The findings proved that ward committees are confronted with a conglomerate of challenges where their functioning tends to be compromised. Consequently, the study made some recommendations after the various arguments relating to the subject matter were presented. This is done, in an attempt to improve the capacity of ward committees and all institutions that play a role in the enhancement of public participation.