Abstract:
The 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa states that the objectives of
local government are to provide democratic and accountable government for local
communities, to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable
manner… and to encourage the involvement of communities and community
organisations in the matters of local government. Despite this noble objectives set by
the Constitution, the local government, in particular the municipalities have failed
to live up to the aims of the Constitution. Nevertheless, it is argued in this article
that the notion of public participation plays a significance role in the development
of an open, participatory and accountable governance model
