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In 1994, the people of South Africa overwhelmingly voted the African National Congress (ANC) into power, officially ending over 40 years of apartheid rule. Apartheid, which successfully limited civil rights and opportunities for millions of Black Africans, Coloureds and Indians, transformed towns and cities across the country into the "Apartheid City. " This spatial construct segregated South Africans by race, isolating millions of Black Africans from employment opportunities and limited their access to housing and infrastructure services. As part of the new ANC reconstruction agenda, local governments are directed to improve the lives of previously disadvantaged communities-- with new planning and development efforts defined as a crucial first step. Moreover, local governments are instructed by the ANC to involve communities in their efforts, allowing people to have "control over the reconstruction of their lives. " Public involvement-- a range of strategies to involve and engage citizens i