Rethinking public participation in local government: A case study of Mossel Bay Municipality

Abstract

Public participation in local government has been identified as an important factor that can assist government to ensure adequate public service delivery. It offers government an opportunity to prioritise citizens in municipalities based on inputs submitted during public participation events. Community involvement in municipalities promotes an active society because it provides an opportunity for the community and other local stakeholders a chance to partake in community development. The platform that is created through public participation processes, in relation to ward committee engagements and other public participation forums, provides space for the community to shape their localities. In this way both communities and government benefit. Community participation serves as a foundation for development planning in municipal areas.