Rethinking public participation in South Africa’s local governance system: A systematic review

Public participation is a fundamental constitutional pillar in South Africa’s democratic governance, yet the translation of this principle into practice remains a persistent challenge, particularly at local government level. This systematic review examines the barriers undermining effective public participation in local government, through synthesising evidence from peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and institutional reports published between 2015 and 2025. Guided by the PRISMA framework, sixty-two (62) sources were reviewed, selectively focusing on studies addressing participatory governance, citizen engagement, and accountability within the South African municipal context. Findings show that while participatory governance is legislatively mandated, implementation remains constrained by weak institutional capacity, limited digital infrastructure, low-levels of civic literacy, socio-economic inequalities, and mistrust between citizens and government officials. Digital platforms introduced to enhance engagement have often replicated existing divides rather than overcoming them. The review highlights how participation tends to be symbolic or compliance-driven, rather than genuinely empowering citizens in decision-making. These findings underscore the need for reforms that strengthen institutional accountability, invest in digital and civic education, and adopt inclusive, citizen-centred participation models. By systematically mapping barriers, this study provides an integrated evidence base for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to reimagine local governance as a participatory and democratic sphere.