ABSTRACT
The most critical factor in establishing sustainable participatory processes in a municipality is gaining the active support of senior management. Without committed and knowledgeable management, efforts at lower levels, no matter how skilled and innovative, will be limited in scope and replicability. Municipalities are hierarchical organisations; change comes about slowly and is generally brought about by respected leaders. It is therefore essential that decision-making officials understand and are fully involved in initiating and developing participatory approaches within the municipality.
