Implementing e-participation platforms to enhance citizen engagement and participation within South African municipalities

Abstract

The success of e-participation initiatives across South African municipalities hinges upon a nuanced comprehension and roles of the complex interplay between political, social, and technological factors. With the aid of an in-depth literature review, this study explores e-participation initiatives and their progress in strengthening the governance of South African municipalities. Using the content analysis technique, this study reveals that there is a serious lack of digital infrastructure and that digital gaps and lack of proper research addressing these problems between urban and rural municipalities contribute to inadequate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategies to improve citizen engagement and participation in governance processes. From this perspective, this study recommends an urgent need to undertake deliberate awareness campaigns to promote the use of e-participation platforms; and identify the citizens’ needs and concerns to formulate locally preferred content and design inclusive policies to strengthen the order of local governance.