An evaluation of citizen participation in policy implementation in the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality

Abstract

The new political dispensation in South Africa requires that the municipal authorities should involve citizens in policy implementation. In this mini-dissertation, a study is undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of the citizen participation in policy implementation at the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. The study emanates from the assumption that citizens are not effectively involved in municipal matters. The main objectives of the study are: provide a theoretical framework for policy implementation by describing and explaining its nature and place in Public Administration; provide a constitutional framework for citizen participation in South Africa; evaluate the role of citizens in policy implementation in the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality; evaluate the interaction between citizens, the councillors and the chief officials in the above municipal authority; and where possible, include recommendations for the improvement of citizen participation in policy implementation in the above municipal authority.The study is envisaged as providing possible solution to the ineffective participation of citizens in municipal matters. The study presents an overview of the legislative framework and the role citizens can play. This is followed by the theoretical framework of the policy implementation within the municipal policy process. Based on the theoretical framework presented, an analysis is then made to prove whether citizens do participate in municipal matters in King Sabata Dalindyebo. It is envisaged that this study will promote the involvement of citizens in municipal matters in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. Finally, the study ends by providing recommendations to the problem of ineffective citizen participation in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality.