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THE INCORPORATION OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: A CASE OF SELECTED THREE SOUTH AFRICAN METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES.

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Title: THE INCORPORATION OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: A CASE OF SELECTED THREE SOUTH AFRICAN METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES.
Authors: Ncwana, T.1,2, Makiva, M.1,2
Source: Journal of Public Administration & Development Alternatives (JPADA). Jul2025, Vol. 10 Issue 1, p125-143. 19p.
Subject Terms: *TECHNOLOGICAL innovations, *LOCAL government, COMMUNITY involvement, SOCIAL media, DIGITAL technology, DATA management, SOCIOECONOMIC disparities in health
Geographic Terms: CAPE Town (South Africa)
Abstract: This article evaluates the usage of innovative technologies for sustainable public participation using three South African Metropolitan Municipalities of the City of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. A qualitative approach was adopted, utilising open-ended questionnaires to gather in-depth insights from 510 community members across the three municipalities. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants with relevant, firsthand experiences and perspectives related to the use of technology in public participation. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, identifying key trends and patterns relevant to the study’s objectives. The findings reveal a disconnect between municipal priorities and community needs, socio-economic disparities that limit access to digital platforms, a lack of power and agency among residents, and the ineffective role of ward committees. The article proposes that these municipalities should utilise social media platforms to reach a broader audience, implement open data systems to increase transparency and trust, and provide internet connectivity for the marginalised communities to ensure continuous and accessible channels for public input. Making use of local languages to bridge communication gaps during interaction in innovative platforms, raise community input and awareness/education on digital platforms and their benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Business Source Index
Description
Abstract:This article evaluates the usage of innovative technologies for sustainable public participation using three South African Metropolitan Municipalities of the City of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. A qualitative approach was adopted, utilising open-ended questionnaires to gather in-depth insights from 510 community members across the three municipalities. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants with relevant, firsthand experiences and perspectives related to the use of technology in public participation. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, identifying key trends and patterns relevant to the study’s objectives. The findings reveal a disconnect between municipal priorities and community needs, socio-economic disparities that limit access to digital platforms, a lack of power and agency among residents, and the ineffective role of ward committees. The article proposes that these municipalities should utilise social media platforms to reach a broader audience, implement open data systems to increase transparency and trust, and provide internet connectivity for the marginalised communities to ensure continuous and accessible channels for public input. Making use of local languages to bridge communication gaps during interaction in innovative platforms, raise community input and awareness/education on digital platforms and their benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:24155446
DOI:10.55190/JPADA.2025.419