ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the need for active community participation in project conception, as well as the various mechanisms or strategies that can be utilized by South African municipalities to bring about integrated development. With respect to the strategies to enhance community participation within the local government sphere, particular emphasis is placed on the need for municipal–community partnerships in South Africa with specific reference to the need to engage nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in local development initiatives. H. Atkins and C. Milne distinguish between conventional and development projects. Municipalities can make use of the project management cycle as a framework within which to manage development projects. The White Paper on Local Government indicates that municipalities require active participation by citizens at four levels, namely: as voters, as citizens, as consumers and end users, and as organized partners involved in the mobilization of resources for development via for-profit businesses, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
