Evaluating the challenges of public participation in local government planning: a case study of the integrated development planning process of the legislature in the City of Johannesburg Council
by Prosper Bazaanah; Pretty Nhlaka Nedzamba
International Journal of Society Systems Science (IJSSS), Vol. 14, No. 2, 2022

Abstract: Public participation in the formulation and implementation of development plans is critical for social service delivery and deepening democracy in South Africa. Using the qualitative approach, this study evaluates the challenges of public participation in the integrated development planning process in the City of Johannesburg. The findings showed that a multi-stakeholder approach was adopted in the city's development planning process. However, limited resources, capacities, weak stakeholder mobilisation and engagement of communities affected planning processes and service delivery. Where public participation is ineffective, citizens become disempowered, and their democratic rights and service delivery quality tend to be compromised. With sufficient budgetary allocation, social mobilisation, public sensitisation, and engagement, the city's development plans and capacity to provide social services could be enhanced. The city's management should build stakeholders capacity and solicit their input in development planning. Consensus and collaboration with stakeholders will help the city's plan for sustainable, equitable, and productive development.

Online publication date: Tue, 07-Mar-2023

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Society Systems Science (IJSSS):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com