ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the controversy over democratic governance and the involvement of citizens in governance processes in South Africa. This is achieved through the use of the CLEAR theoretical framework which helps in understanding complex political processes. This is important because much of the writing on democratic governance focuses more on accountability, responsiveness, and representativeness but loses sight of the complexities surrounding these processes. A focus on these issues helps in understanding the country’s governance system. The study found that though democratic governance exists in South Africa, it remains a complex concept influenced by multifaceted socioeconomic dynamics. The study reveals that governance in South Africa is discredited through lack of citizen empowerment and hidden exclusionary practices. The existing structures for promoting democratic governance remain exclusive because they tend to favor those who are naturally vocal and educated, generating a scenario which increases hidden political inequality and undemocratic governance.
