THE CATALYST OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUNICIPAL BUDGETS IN CATEGORY B MUNICIPALITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA: A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to look into how constituents are involved in the creation of the municipal budget. The South African local government's budget preparation process revolves around public participation. As such, public participation is meant to increase the level of accountability in municipalities.  Some municipalities have not met this constitutional requirement.

The study used a qualitative research approach to answer the research question. This was done by analysing secondary data in the form of government reports and policies, government statutes, and a systematic review of the literature. This study was limited to category B municipalities in the Northern Cape Province. The study found that in some municipalities residents are not consulted at all by municipal councillors as required by chapter five, section 23 the Municipal Finance Management Act no 56. 2003 and Municipal Systems Act No 32 of 2000. In some municipalities, there is constant political instability that affects the public participation process. This paper concludes that inadequate planning and a lack of legitimate institutional structures to coordinate, evaluate, and monitor public participation in budget development violate South Africa's constitutional provisions and various community engagement strategies. This paper recommends that municipalities continually consult and involve residents in the public participation process to inform the municipal budget development process. The study contributes to public administration scholarship by providing empirically grounded insights into the role of budget management in improving accountability and oversight in South African local government.