Abstract
This chapter interrogates the ward committee system as an instrument in an institutionalised local government level to advance direct participatory governance. The ward committee has a constitutional mandate upon which accountability, democratization, community governance, and inclusive participation in the municipal decision-making is enhanced. The ward committee system was legislated to create a platform for community participation and enhance accountable local governance. Structuration theory has been used to engage with elements of representativity, powers, skills, functionality, access to information, influence in decision-making, and relationship with others structures as developed by Smith and de Visser. The chapter made use of various case studies to interrogate the role, potential, and challenges of the ward committee system in forging direct participatory governance.
TopIntroduction
Democratic governance post-1994 South Africa is premised on the democratic principles of local governance, decentralised service delivery and development (Mogale, 2003). According to Tshishonga (2019), these principles are grounded in a developmental model of local government which demand municipalities to work collaboratively with citizens and their representative structures in seeking alternative solutions to socio-economic challenges. Central to developmental local government is the pieces of legislation and establishment of ward committee systems as the invited space for democratic local governance (Amtaika, 2013; Tshishonga, 2019). Thus, the democratic tranfomation of local government was preceeded by the establishement of various policies. Constitution (1996), White Paper of Local Government (1998), the Municipal Systems Act (1998), the Municipal Structures Act (2000), the Municipal Financial Act (2003) are among some of the policies aimed at grounding local government on democratic, developmental and service delivery path. These legislative framewoks were mearnt to radaically tranform local government from its rigidity to being the instrument for advancing local democrcay and developmental service delivery. Policies were followed by the institutionalisation of mechanisms such as the ward committees, Integrated Development Plan (IDP), (Maharaj & Reddy, 2008). Such mechanisms are geareed towards providing participatory spaces for enhanced local democracy and participation (Nel, 2009). However, since its establishment, the ward committee system has been plagued by multiple challenges which have prevented it from being effective and productive. Such challenges range from ineffective institutional governance (Smith & De Visser, 2009) due to improper management (Nakedi, 2004), to party political manipulation (Naidu, 2012), weak communication channels, and political/administrative municipal disjuncture (Buccus, 2012). These challenges not only undermine the potential of the ward committee system to be an effective mechanism for community engagement and governance; but also expose this system to the manipulation and domination of economic and political elites (Tshishonga, 2019). Democracy, direct and partcipatory democratic governance are integral parts of literature underpinning this chapter.
This chapter uses Giddens’ (1984) structuration theory to gauge ward committees structures and their actions. Through the structuration theory, the chapter argues that ward committee system have both the potental of enhancing or inhibiting direct and deliberative local democracy as well as developmental service delivery at local government level. This chapter interrogates the ward committee system as an instrument institutionalised at local government level for the advancement of direct and participatory governance. The chapter therefore, aims at exploring the roles, opportunities and challenges faced by the ward committee system in deepening community urban governance at the eThekwini municipality.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Direct Democracy: Is a form of democracy that allows for the direct participation of citizens in decision-making processes. Direct democracy is underpinned by the principles of good governance such as accountability, representation, dialogue and deliberation as well as informed decision-making.
Democratic Governance: Is the system of governance that promote the active participation of citizens in decision making processes.
Ward Committee System: Is the system established through the Municipal Structures in order to promote local democracy and public participation.
local government: Is the sphere of government closest to the people and constitutionally mandated to provide basic services to the local populace. It has legislative and executive powers to make laws and implement national policies for the befit of its people
Community Governance: This is the system of governance at community level created to manage relationships and foster a sense of citizenship through active participation in decision-making processes.