Abstract
The increase in the service delivery protests as a result of urbanisation and the failure by the current institutions meant to ensure that there is citizen participation have resulted in the increase of service delivery protest. This has required that local government urgently responds to the need to explore new methods to engage with citizens and enhance responsive governance. The purpose of this research was to find out if lessons learned in other countries can be applied in South African context.
The objectives of the research were:
The primary objective was to evaluate whether e-participation initiatives applied in other countries can strengthen public participation and responsive local governance in South Africa.
The secondary objective was to find out how lessons learned in other countries can be applied in the South African municipalities.
The research examined the concept of citizen participation, responsive governance and e-participation. It further explored the strength and weaknesses of the traditional methods currently used to communicate with communities in the municipalities, these being ward committees and the IDPs.
What was at the centre of the study was to assess the lessons learned of e-participation in other countries, and whether they would benefit both communities and local municipalities if implemented in South Africa, and thereby enhance responsive governance. The qualitative methodology was used and in the data-gathering, primary and secondary sources was used and the sample population was selected from the four municipalities being Mogale City, Merafong Municipality, Randfontein Municipality and the West Rand District Municipality.
M.Com. (Business Management)