Abstract
This study investigates e-participation implementation of a local government
collaboration network in South Africa, and specifically the SMS-based two-way
communication channel between municipalities and citizens in Western Cape
Province. Its implementation has been segmental by the South African Local
Government Association (SALGA) and the SMS-based two-way communication
channel between municipalities and citizens has not yet been investigated in terms of
its usage and level of participation it has engendered. A quantitative research design
was used and the study's sample that consists of three municipalities, namely Kai
Garib, Knysna and Theewaterskloof, were randomly selected from the accessible
population which consists of six municipalities that are currently implementing the
program which involves the SMS-based system. Research data was collected with
structured interviews, supplemented by follow-up questionnaires. From among the
three sampled municipalities 120 staff members were drawn, to whom copies of the
questionnaire were administered, out of which only 93 responses were returned and
analysed (77.5% response rate). Descriptive statistics was used to present the
results of the analyses, which was interpreted and discussed. The discussion is
aligned to the main research question: "What is the level of implementation of SMSbased
two- way communication channel between the municipality and citizens as a
local government collaboration network?"
The value of the study is derived from its most significant findings:
The qualities of the professionals that are involved in an e-participation platform
determine the type of work they do, for example, administrative officials,
communication and ICT professionals, or lawyers are hired by municipalities to run the
SMS-based two-way communication channel or in short "SMS-based system".
Some municipalities have more experienced people who are in a position to
supervise and mentor the younger and newer employees...
M.Com.