LOCAL GOVERNMENT


space it offers ordinary people to become actively involved in the governance of municipalities. The Municipal Systems Act makes it clear that residents have the right to contribute to municipalities’ decision-making processes. The Act also states that communities must have a say in both the content of local development plans, known as Integrated Development Plans (IDPs),


“This means, amongst other things, that the future of our provinces is inextricably linked to the future of our cities and towns. Therefore it is no exaggeration to suggest that the South African city reflects the state of the nation and the welfare of its people.”


and the process by which these IDPs are drafted.


A co-operative approach Among our central tasks is to provide a voice for the community in local politics. Participatory democracy is not about being at the receiving end of democracy, but being an active participant in the process. This means disempowered citizens – youths, women and people with disabilities – must be primary beneficiaries of development programmes in a way that confirms that our local democracy derives content from the actual participation of our communities in institutions of people’s power. The vision of a people-centred and people-orientated local government system has always been grounded on this progressive legislative framework, which makes it possible for ordinary people to direct their own lives for


development and empowerment. For the first time in our history, local government is now positioned to be the driver of development. We also want to operationalize our legislation so that local government, as the face of government in communities, can be a true reflection of our national character. The challenge rests with the


extent to which ordinary people are afforded the opportunity to participate in the governance of these structures. The objective reality is that planned efforts of a developmental state have a responsibility to influence the direction and pace of economic development by directly intervening in the development processes of our country. This means we need to come


together to draw on our collective experiences, put aside our differences and work together for a better life for all, now and in the future.


The Parliamentarian | 2013: Issue One - South Africa | 47


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