An assessment of participatory governance in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State
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Date
2017
Authors
Letawana, S. J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
In South Africa, the legislative mandate brought about the transition to democracy,
and the subsequent policy and legislation framework, such as the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa, 1996; the White Paper on Local Government, 1998; the Local
Government: Municipal Structures Act, Act 117 of 1998; and the Local Government:
Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, permitted citizens to take part in governance
and policy-making. Yet, according to observation and the views of citizens in the
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipally (MMM), the importance of participation as per the
Constitution, as preached by the President and promoted by democrats, has yet to be
translated into a lived reality at local government level. Furthermore, the service
delivery protests that have taken place since 2004 are the result of poor participatory
governance. In this regard, participatory governance in the development of municipal
plans appears not to be realising its anticipated goals of closing the gap between
government and its constituents because of a lack of consultation in the planning
process and decision-making. Brynard (1996:138) states that local government is
viewed as a means and a first point of contact to encourage the participation of people
in the planning and policy-making process.
This study involved a literature study, which included an extensive review of the
relevant literature, legislation, policy documents, journal articles, books, conference
papers and government reports on the purpose of local government, the
developmental role of local government, as well as the requirements, purpose, roles,
functions and mandate of municipal councillors, ward councillors, and ward
committees. Newspaper articles were used to find examples of successful or
unsuccessful participation. This study provides recommendations on how to ensure
the continuation of participatory governance in MMM. In this regard, the findings and
recommendations outline the parameters against which to measure the success of
MMM’s participatory agenda, and to ensure that the sustainable development
outcomes of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) are met.
Description
Keywords
Political planning -- South Africa -- Free State --Citizen participation., Political participation -- South Africa -- Free State, Local government -- South Africa -- Free State, Dussertation (MGT (Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, [2017]