Abstract:
Over the years, there has been an increasing call for the deepening of democracy
through the democratisation of governance processes across the continent, the extent
to which this has been translated to practice through viable and authentic means
needs to be further engaged. Democratic governance is in theory characterised by
the existence of genuine public spaces that allow for a vigilant, strong and robust
state and civil society engagement. This process ensures that government remains
connected to the people and conducts its activities in a way that benefits the majority
of the people. In theory, these ideals may exist but in reality, are these forums really
available for community/citizen participation? Even when they do, are they able to
significantly shift government policy? Or are they stage-managed, not been fully
optimised or even hijacked by proxies who seek to ensure that the decision-making
structures of society serve the objectives of the local elite?
The article reflects on the efficacy of selected public spaces or forums that are
available to citizenry for making inputs into policy processes. Africa’s record has
been somewhat mixed, ranging from the disenfranchisement of civil society in
democratic processes, the harassment of the media, suppression of public opinion
and the high-jacking of public spaces. The article will draw on specific scenarios
from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. It will identify and critique selected
forums or public spaces, reflect on their value-added to democratic processes and
lastly identify enabling or hindering factors for quality policy engagement.
