Citizen participation indispensable to sustainable democratic governance and administration in South Africa

Quite clearly, citizen participation in both the administration and governance of a country is essential and is a prerequisite for the maintenance of democracy. In turn, citizens, in particular the voters, require a quid pro quo from the government, i.e., citizens participate in government and administration for specific reasons. The citizen wants to know what he or she can get out of all the effort expended in the participatory process. Some of the spin-offs citizens gain from participation are to sway the opinions of the policy-makers; to convert or influence opponents and so-called 'enemies'; to disseminate valuable and crucial/pertinent information to all inhabitants; to prevent the abuse or misuse of authority/power; to act as political watchdog; and to steer the government and administration of the country in an appropriate and desirable direction which will ensure that it caters to the needs of all inhabitants and does not merely satisfy segmental interests. If some of these objectives can be achieved, then South Africa is on the right track. However, participatory democracy and citizen participation do not come as natural options to any government. There is a perception that the public are treading on a holy domain and are, in fact, interfering in the running of the country. This view should be addressed as quickly as possible in a democracy to ensure that democratic principles are sustained. If, however, the government clams up, there could be considerable difficulties in the future for it in a general election. The electorate may perceive this as a sign that the government has something to hide. Such situations should be avoided at all costs.