ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the integrity of the process of public participation as reflected within a decentralized integrated development planning. It explains two initiatives: capacity building of Reconstruction and Development Policy (RDP) forums and timeous commencement with integrated development planning of the region as a whole as well as that of the different towns and rural districts and settlements. In South Africa, the transition to democracy is characterised by the simultaneity of two democratic traditions namely that of traditional parliamentary or representative democracy and that of grassroots participatory democracy. The chapter introduces the policy directions for local government development in South Africa and the degree to which community representation and participation should be sought, and relevant approaches in this regard. With regard to participation in the policy process, municipalities are encouraged to develop mechanisms to ensure citizen representation and participation in policy initiation and formulation, and the monitoring and evaluation of decision-making and implementation.
