Introduction The National Development Plan (NDP)

defines active citizenship as equalising opportunities and enhancing human capabilities.

Public Participation is a process, not an event, and it requires giving feedback. Public participation is all about active engagement before, during and after the decision-making process,

Public Participation defined Public participation is based on the

belief that those who are affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the decision-making process.

Public participation is the process by which an organization consults with interested or affected individuals, organizations, and government entities before making a decision.

Public Participation defined cont… Public participation is two-way

communication and collaborative problem solving with the goal of achieving better and more acceptable decisions (International Association for Public Participation (2007).

Purpose of the Dialogue The purpose of the dialogue is to reflect

on the debate around patriotism to our country with regards to participation in voting as well as the impact of lack of service delivery and its impact on citizens interest in participating in voting , a privilege which we were previously denied of.

Purpose of the dialogue cont… To discuss the role which civil society needs to

play in entrenching constitutional democracy which results in many other roles which include but are not exclusive to the following:Watchdog – holding institutions to account ,

promoting transparency and accountability Advocate – raising awareness of societal issues

and challenges in advocating for change – this will include policy analysis and reconstruction of the policy if necessary e.g. The DSD Financial Awards Policy

Purpose of the dialogue cont…

Service Provider – delivering services to meet social needs

Capacity Builder – providing education and training and building capacity

Incubator – developing solutions that for sustainable development

Representative – giving power to the massesCitizen champion – encouraging citizen

engagement and supporting rights of citizensSolidarity Supporter – promoting

fundamental and universal valuesDefiner of standards – creating norms that

shape market and state activity.

Conclusion It is important to understand citizen

participation as a social psychological process of empowerment, that occurs at the interface of individual and society.

Empowerment here is understood as a collective and inclusive process of developing insight into, and taking action to address, lived realities including societal issues.

Conclusion In conclusion, public participation is a process

of conscientisation and is essential to addressing the human condition.

Thus, the ability and agency of individuals to participate collectively in reflecting on and changing their social realities must be recognised as integral to active citizenry (Eastern Cape Planning Commission Diagnostic overview of the Eastern Cape Province 2013).

Rooks MoodleyECNGOC DirectorTel: 087 373 1082Fax: 086 622 4780Email: rooksmoodley@ecngoc.co.za

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