Public participation as a strategy to promote good governance in local government: the case of Blouberg Local Municipality

Abstract

The study focused on public participation as a strategy to promote good governance in Local Government. The focus area was Blouberg Local Municipality. Public participation is a process by which an organization consults with affected individuals, organizations, and government entities before taking a decision. Public participation is considered as a two-way communication and cooperative problem-solving process whose goal is to achieve better and more acceptable decisions. Public participation simply entails that the publics must be able to cooperate with government on decisions that affect them. The municipalities must also be able to interact and consult with the public on the use of land and municipal development at the local level, defined as a process involving the training of civil servants, administrative and fiscal decentralization, dialogue between governments and civil society and staff incentives. Good governance begins with the political will to govern well. However, Good governance is a tremendously indefinable objective. This is because good governance means different things to different organizations and to different actors within these organizations. The study used the mixed method research approach to understand the scope and nature under which public participation is practiced, to achieve good governance. For the purpose of this study, the researcher used both qualitative and quantitative research approach as well as pragmatic approach to support the research. In addition, the researcher used descriptive and contextual research design. The data collection methods used are questionnaires and interviews. The sampling group of the study consists of municipal officials, councillors and selected community members. The research used non-probability sampling and purposive to select the sample members. The data was analysed using thematic and statistical analyses. The researcher strictly adhered to ethical conduct. The major findings of the study are the following: The study found that the 36 respondents, who constitute 36%, pointed out that community members are not informed about the activities of the municipality. The study found that the majority, 36 (36%) of respondents strongly disagreed with the statement that the municipality has adequate financial and human resources to enable public participation. Fifty-five (55) respondents, which constitute 55% strongly disagreed that the municipal officials have a good relationship with the residents and councillors of the Blouberg local Municipality. Public participation helps in the provision of adequate and relevant services to the publics. The findings revealed that corruption hinders public participation. Finally, the study revealed that public participation can be enhanced through imbizos and utilization of radio stations to inform members of the public about public participation. iv The recommendations of the study are the following: The study recommends that there is a need to inform the public about the activities of the municipality. The researcher recommends that there must be adequate financial and human resources to enable public participation. The study recommends that there must be a good relationship between municipal officials, residents and the councillors of the Blouberg local Municipality. The study recommends public participation is in the provision of the adequate and relevant services to the publics. The study recommends that there is a need for ethical practises within the municipality to promote public participation. The study recommends that public participation be ensured through imbizos, utilization of radio stations to inform public about their participation