Participatory budgeting in the South African local government context : the case of the Mantsopa local municipality, Free State Province
Date
2009-03
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
This study was carried out to assess the extent of citizen participation in local government
decision-making, with focus on the local government budgeting processes. A framework of
participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil is used to assess participation in budgeting in
the Mantsopa Local Municipality in the Free State Province with a view to drawing
appropriate lessons for South Africa as a whole. The research looks at three important
concepts in governance. The first is the issue of good governance. The second is citizen
participation and collaboration as cornerstones of good governance. The third is
participatory budgeting as an aspect of citizen participation and collaborative decisionmaking.
A multiple research approach was employed, which included the use of focus group
discussions, and interviews to examine the level of citizen participation in local government
decision-making process within the Mantsopa Municipality. Municipal documents and
records were used to analyse the existing situation within the municipality.
The research found out that the political and administrative elites are still holding on to
power that should be in the hands of citizens. Civil society groups are still being neglected in
local government decision-making. Citizens are also not being encouraged and mobilised to
take part in the budget process. The issue of racial discrimination in engaging citizens in
decision-making still exists. Mostly, the white business and farming community felt that
they were largely excluded from these processes.
Description
Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Participatory budgeting, Citizen participation in local budgets -- South Africa -- Free State, Citizen participation in local government -- South Africa -- Free State, Free State (South Africa) -- Politics and government, Dissertations -- Public management and planning, Theses -- Public management and planning