The Application of the Typology of Participation in the Masakhane Informal
Settlement Upgrading Project
1. INTRODUCTION
Public participation is an important part of democracy, especially in South Africa, where
the Constitution requires citizens to be involved in decisions that affect their lives
(Republic of South Africa, 1996). The Masakhane Informal Settlement in Ekurhuleni
faces problems such as poor housing, lack of clean water and sanitation,
unemployment, and poor roads. To address these problems, the municipality plans to
improve basic services, build roads and community facilities, and provide subsidised
houses.
The success of this project depends on meaningful public participation. The Typology of
Participation shows five levels of community involvement: Passive Participation,
Participation by Consultation, Functional Participation, Interactive Participation, and
Self-mobilisation. These levels range from limited involvement to residents taking an
active role in making decisions and leading development.
2. UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Public participation is defined as the voluntary involvement of people in making and
implementing decisions that directly affect their lives (United Nations Centre for Human
Settlements, 1991). In a democratic country such as South Africa, citizens have the
right to participate in activities that affect their future (Davids, Theron and Maphunye,
2011:121). The primary role-players in public decision-making should be the people
themselves, as governments exist to serve the people.
, Davids, Theron and Maphunye (2011:122) identify public participation as the first
building block of development because it focuses on human growth. This concept aligns
with people-centred development, which shifts emphasis away from production
processes towards the public. Public participation allows people to share in, belong to,
and ideally "own" the development process, which builds their dignity and self-esteem
(Kotze and Kellerman, 1997:39). The Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of
2000 emphasises that beneficiaries should act as actors in their own development
(Davids, Theron and Maphunye, 2011:123). This principle is essential when considering
how the Typology of Participation can be applied in Masakhane.
3. PASSIVE PARTICIPATION
Passive participation occurs when people are told what has been decided or what has
happened, and their opinions are not sought (University of South Africa, 2017:83).
Community members are merely recipients of information rather than active contributors
to decision-making.
3.1 Application in Masakhane
In Masakhane, passive participation could manifest when the municipality informs
residents about decisions already made regarding the upgrading project. For example,
the municipality might announce construction dates without consulting residents about
their preferences. Residents might attend a meeting where they are simply told about
project timelines, housing types, and services to be provided, without any opportunity to
influence these decisions.
According to the study guide, token participation is similar to passive participation,
where people sit on official committees but have no real power to make decisions
(University of South Africa, 2017:83). In Masakhane, this could occur if residents are
appointed to project committees but their input is ignored.
3.2 Limitations of Passive Participation
Settlement Upgrading Project
1. INTRODUCTION
Public participation is an important part of democracy, especially in South Africa, where
the Constitution requires citizens to be involved in decisions that affect their lives
(Republic of South Africa, 1996). The Masakhane Informal Settlement in Ekurhuleni
faces problems such as poor housing, lack of clean water and sanitation,
unemployment, and poor roads. To address these problems, the municipality plans to
improve basic services, build roads and community facilities, and provide subsidised
houses.
The success of this project depends on meaningful public participation. The Typology of
Participation shows five levels of community involvement: Passive Participation,
Participation by Consultation, Functional Participation, Interactive Participation, and
Self-mobilisation. These levels range from limited involvement to residents taking an
active role in making decisions and leading development.
2. UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Public participation is defined as the voluntary involvement of people in making and
implementing decisions that directly affect their lives (United Nations Centre for Human
Settlements, 1991). In a democratic country such as South Africa, citizens have the
right to participate in activities that affect their future (Davids, Theron and Maphunye,
2011:121). The primary role-players in public decision-making should be the people
themselves, as governments exist to serve the people.
, Davids, Theron and Maphunye (2011:122) identify public participation as the first
building block of development because it focuses on human growth. This concept aligns
with people-centred development, which shifts emphasis away from production
processes towards the public. Public participation allows people to share in, belong to,
and ideally "own" the development process, which builds their dignity and self-esteem
(Kotze and Kellerman, 1997:39). The Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of
2000 emphasises that beneficiaries should act as actors in their own development
(Davids, Theron and Maphunye, 2011:123). This principle is essential when considering
how the Typology of Participation can be applied in Masakhane.
3. PASSIVE PARTICIPATION
Passive participation occurs when people are told what has been decided or what has
happened, and their opinions are not sought (University of South Africa, 2017:83).
Community members are merely recipients of information rather than active contributors
to decision-making.
3.1 Application in Masakhane
In Masakhane, passive participation could manifest when the municipality informs
residents about decisions already made regarding the upgrading project. For example,
the municipality might announce construction dates without consulting residents about
their preferences. Residents might attend a meeting where they are simply told about
project timelines, housing types, and services to be provided, without any opportunity to
influence these decisions.
According to the study guide, token participation is similar to passive participation,
where people sit on official committees but have no real power to make decisions
(University of South Africa, 2017:83). In Masakhane, this could occur if residents are
appointed to project committees but their input is ignored.
3.2 Limitations of Passive Participation
