The mechanism of meaningful engagement in socio-economic rights cases

Abstract

Chapter 1 of this mini-dissertation comprises of a general introduction that outlines the methodological framework of this research. It comprises of a hypothesis, assumptions, research questions and the research approach adopted to gather evidence and investigate the proposed topic. It is followed by the motivation for the research, background information and an overview of the literature review on meaningful engagement. Lastly I define and discuss some key concepts which are pertinent to the topic of meaningful engagement. In Chapter 2 I conceptualise the concept of meaningful engagement where after I discuss how the concept of meaningful engagement originated within the South African context. This chapter also gives an overview of how the concept of meaningful engagement was developed by the South African courts in litigating housing rights cases as a mechanism to assist the poor in protecting their socio-economic rights. In Chapter 3 I explore, identify and discuss the additional benefits of meaningful engagement. In Chapter 4 I determine and discuss how the additional benefits generated by the mechanism of meaningful engagement could enhance the capacity and transform the lives of poor communities when engaging meaningfully with government to resolve their housing rights disputes. Chapter 5 of this mini-dissertation comprises of general and core conclusions, as well as some recommendations.