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An analysis and appraisal of the Imbizo as an instrument of democracy in South Africa

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

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/4031
Date16 February 2011
CreatorsMathagu, Shandukani Freddy
ContributorsBotha, S. (Dr.), Mtimkulu, P.F.G. (Dr.)
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Format1 online resource (xv, 262 leaves) : ill.

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