Abstract
This research examines how and to what extent citizens participate through digital media in the Gauteng Provincial Legislatures (GPLs) law-making processes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study looked at the levels of inhibition in citizen engagement, the strategies of engagement, and the role of Information and communication Technologies in these processes. Evidence from the study suggests that despite the theoretical possibilities of enhancing the processes of law-making and decision-making through digital citizen engagement, it was not effectively operationalised during the COVID-19 pandemic for several reasons. The reasons include the digital divide, lack of capacity to use ICT, poor ICT infrastructure, and lack of resources and facilities. Despite these challenges, the study also pointed out certain factors capable of motivating digital citizen engagement, such as developing a better internet network, civic education, and proper deployment of ICT within the GPLs. The research also stresses that the policy formulators and researchers should consider these challenges to make the digital citizen participation strategies effective. Among the suggestions are building an efficient internet system, informing the public about the availability of digital technologies, and exploring the factors that encourage active citizenship in law- making processes. Should these challenges be surmounted and the prospects of digital citizenship encouraged, the provincial legislative assemblies can make the law-making process more interactive, open, and accountable, thus promoting democratic governance in Gauteng.