Title: 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

Authors: Prosper Bazaanah; Pretty Nhlaka Nedzamba

Addresses: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-Water Research Institute), P.O. Box M32, Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana; Future Africa Institute, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest Campus, Pretoria, 0186, South Africa ' Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA), 26 Samora Machel Street, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4001, South Africa

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.

Keywords: public participation; local government planning; integrated development planning; legislature; City of Johannesburg Council; South Africa.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSS.2022.129398

International Journal of Society Systems Science, 2022 Vol.14 No.2, pp.106 - 125

Received: 24 Jun 2022
Accepted: 22 Nov 2022
Published online: 07 Mar 2023 *

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