Abstract
This dissertation analyses how the South African Parliament utilises X to foster public participation during the legislative process of passing the Expropriation Bill [B23-2020], a critical yet divisive piece of legislation aimed at redressing land inequalities. Historically, promoting inclusive public engagement in legislative matters poses challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limits in-person communication. This research addresses whether X serves as an effective platform for engaging citizens, given potential barriers such as digital literacy disparities and limited access among certain socio-economic groups.
Adopting a qualitative method, this study analyses data from semi-structured interviews with Parliament’s communication representatives, complemented by content analysis of X interactions. The study’s theoretical framework combines Agenda Setting Theory, which explores how the Assembly’s posts influence public discourse, with Stakeholder Theory, focusing on the ethical engagement of diverse groups. This approach enables a nuanced understanding of the Assembly’s communication strategy on X, assessing both the platform’s efficacy in stimulating democratic engagement and the inclusivity of the process.
The findings reveal that X contributes to setting the public agenda by allowing timely updates and facilitating debate; however, the platform’s reach is limited by socio-economic disparities in digital access and literacy. These results highlight the need for more inclusive communication strategies to strengthen engagement and representation across varied demographics. This research contributes insights into optimising social media for democratic governance and public participation, emphasising that effective use of social platforms can play a key role in fostering transparency and inclusivity in South Africa's legislative landscape.