The imbizo was introduced in the light of the problems associated with indirect democracy, as well as attempts to bring democracy closer to the people in ways with which they are more familiar. The problem of the study was approached by putting the imbizo in perspective. Hence, a cybernetics model was used with the two information systems, namely the GCIS and the spider-web. They were used to describe the workings of the imbizo in the political system. A mixed method using both the quantitative and qualitative approaches investigated the problem by surveying students‟ understanding of the imbizo. A case study regarding service delivery and public participation was conducted at villages where the imbizo had been held. Generally, findings confirm the imbizo’s role as an instrument to enhance service delivery. The findings have some far-reaching implications for democracy: Unlike indirect democracy, the imbizo “takes the government closer to the people” through unmediated engagement of the people in order to realise direct democracy and accountability. / M.A. (Politics) / Political Science

The focus of this study is on South Africa's transition to democracy. It is argued in this thesis, that an analysis of the transition to democracy in South Africa and the transformation of the con ict that prevailed in this divided society could generate new avenues for theorising about transitions to democracy in divided societies amidst con ict. The aim with this thesis is to contribute towards a more comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of the process of transition to democracy, and the relevant theory involved, particularly with regard to transitions in divided societies. One consequence of the deep divisions within South African society has been the increase in violence, which followed liberalisation. The transition to democracy in South Africa, as a result, was characterised by continuing and escalating violence. In South Africa, the authoritarian regime deteriorated mainly because of internal factors, but external factors also played an important role. The analysis of the transition has been guided by the hypothesis that the democratisation of South Africa was accomplished through a compromise that was negotiated between the major political actors and which re ected the intra-, as well as the inter-dynamics in the domains of, state - political society - civil society. Thus, the main theme of this thesis is, that in the analysis of the dynamics of the tran- sition to democracy in South Africa, a basic framework in which the domains of, state - political society - civil society, are the domains where structural variables (such as culture, economic development, class structures, increased education and the international environ- ment) and behavioural variables (such as major political actors, elite factions, organisations from civil society) interact. Thus, in the diachronic analysis of South Africa's transition, an interactive approach, that seeks to relate structural constraints to the shaping of contingent choice, is followed. At the same time, the institutional substitution of a new democratic political dispensation is examined. In conclusion, democracies are complex phenomena, and they are caused by many di er- ent forces and synthesizing the relevant theoretical approaches to political change provides a more cogent and comprehensive explanation of democratic transition in South Africa. / (D. Litt. et Phil. (International Politics))

No abstract available / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Administration)

Public participation in policy-making and implementation is an integral part of public administration and an essential ingredient of community development and democracy. This study describes, analyses and evaluates the role played by public participation in policy-making and implementation in South Africa, with specific reference to the Port Elizabeth Municipality. It investigates how the process of public participation in policy-making and implementation can be strengthened and made more fluid. The levels of knowledge regarding legislation, institutions and processes of public interaction with the legislative and policy-making and implementation institutions, and the intention to participate in these processes, are regarded as important. Among others, the concept participation and the impact of the process of public participation as well as the extent of awareness of the South African public with regard to its democratic rights ar:id freedom and newly acquired opportunities of interaction in policy-making and implementation are examined. The issues of concern in which the South African public would like to participate are also examined. In order to make meaningful decisions about public needs and demands, policy makers and implementers should obtain current information about such needs and demands. Public participation is an appropriate mechanism for conveying such information and should therefore be encouraged and preserved. It appears that the constitutional and legislative framework is an appropriate instrument for this purpose. However, in order to facilitate the development of the culture of participation, other prerequisites of public participation should not be forgotten. A lack of information about the process of public participation and a dearth of literature on the subject of public participation are among the challenges facing South Africa. The investigation indicates that there is lack of knowledge about institutions and legislation, as well as illiteracy and inadequate participation skills. Although Constitutional and statutory provisions reflect good intentions about public participation, with low levels of knowledge about such provisions and inadequate interaction between public participation and policy-making and implementation, a fluid process of participation which could deepen, broaden and sustain democracy would remain a utopian ideal. However, various mechanisms, by which this scenario could be addressed, could be devised and implemented. / Public Administration / D. Admin

No abstract available / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Administration)

Public participation in policy-making and implementation is an integral part of public administration and an essential ingredient of community development and democracy. This study describes, analyses and evaluates the role played by public participation in policy-making and implementation in South Africa, with specific reference to the Port Elizabeth Municipality. It investigates how the process of public participation in policy-making and implementation can be strengthened and made more fluid. The levels of knowledge regarding legislation, institutions and processes of public interaction with the legislative and policy-making and implementation institutions, and the intention to participate in these processes, are regarded as important. Among others, the concept participation and the impact of the process of public participation as well as the extent of awareness of the South African public with regard to its democratic rights ar:id freedom and newly acquired opportunities of interaction in policy-making and implementation are examined. The issues of concern in which the South African public would like to participate are also examined. In order to make meaningful decisions about public needs and demands, policy makers and implementers should obtain current information about such needs and demands. Public participation is an appropriate mechanism for conveying such information and should therefore be encouraged and preserved. It appears that the constitutional and legislative framework is an appropriate instrument for this purpose. However, in order to facilitate the development of the culture of participation, other prerequisites of public participation should not be forgotten. A lack of information about the process of public participation and a dearth of literature on the subject of public participation are among the challenges facing South Africa. The investigation indicates that there is lack of knowledge about institutions and legislation, as well as illiteracy and inadequate participation skills. Although Constitutional and statutory provisions reflect good intentions about public participation, with low levels of knowledge about such provisions and inadequate interaction between public participation and policy-making and implementation, a fluid process of participation which could deepen, broaden and sustain democracy would remain a utopian ideal. However, various mechanisms, by which this scenario could be addressed, could be devised and implemented. / Public Administration and Management / D. Admin