Development policy making and participatory democracy: a case study of the e-tolls controversy

South Africa identifies itself with being a mix between a participatory and representative democracy. These principles are enshrined in our Constitution which informs the process of decision and policy making within the country. Despite the importance of public participation mechanisms within this framework, it appears that this system of decision making is on the decline. Within the policy making space, the South African government and its related institutions are perceived as under-utilising public participation mechanisms as important decisions are often taken without adequate public debate and the release of detailed information. The research seeks to demonstrate this trend through the analysis of the e-tolls controversy which offers insights into how public participation was inadequately administered. The widespread backlash to this policy is an indication of the discontent towards how government has taken its decision to implement the system. Through the case study method, I investigate the extent that public participation mechanisms have been utilised within the context of the e-tolls. Within the stages of planning to implementation, the state had opportunities to engage the public on the decision to introduce tolling to vital urban roads. However, the decision to dilute the power of public participation was risky because citizens face pressures of a weak economy, rising prices and persistent unemployment. I wish to demonstrate the importance of strengthening public participation mechanisms in South Africa and the positive effects that it would have on nation building