Dynamics of public participation in local government : a South African perspective

Abstract

The 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa states that the objectives of local government are to provide democratic and accountable government for local communities, to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner… and to encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. Despite this noble objectives set by the Constitution, the local government, in particular the municipalities have failed to live up to the aims of the Constitution. Nevertheless, it is argued in this article that the notion of public participation plays a significance role in the development of an open, participatory and accountable governance model