Public participation in formulating and implementing development plans is critical for social service delivery and deepening democracy in South Africa. Using the qualitative approach, this study evaluates the challenges of public participation in the integrated development planning process in the City of Johannesburg. The findings showed that a multi-stakeholder approach was adopted in the city's development planning process. However, limited resources, capacities, weak stakeholder mobilisation and engagement of communities affected planning processes and service delivery. Citizens become disempowered when public participation is ineffective, and their democratic rights and service delivery quality tend to be compromised. With sufficient budgetary allocation, social mobilisation, public sensitisation, and engagement, the city's development plans and capacity to provide social services could be enhanced. The city's management should build stakeholders' capacity and solicit their input in development planning. Consensus and stakeholder collaboration will help the city plan for sustainable, equitable, and productive development.
Keywords: public participation, local government planning, integrated development planning, legislature, City of Johannesburg Council, South Africa
Citation: Bazaanah, P., and Nedzamba, P. N. (2022). Evaluating the challenges of public participation in local government planning: a case study of the integrated development planning process of the legislature in the City of Johannesburg Council. International Journal of Society System Science, 14(2), 106-125.
