Social Accountability in the Ngqushwa Local Municipality Based on Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation

A Citizen’s Perspective

Abstract

This study assessed citizen participation in social accountability mechanisms within the Ngqushwa Local Municipality using Arnstein’s Ladder of Participation as a theoretical lens. This study uses a qualitative research design, incorporating structured interviews with 12 participants from Ngqushwa Local Municipality and data analysed thematically. The findings indicate that citizen participation is largely tokenistic, characterised by low levels of engagement and a significant disconnect between citizen involvement and actual municipal decision-making. Specifically, citizen participation mostly occurs in the lower rung of Arnstein’s ladder (tokenism), such as informing, consultation, and placation, reflecting a limited impact on policy and service delivery outcomes. The Municipality must move beyond mere token engagement and foster deliberative, transparent, and empowering processes in which citizens are not just informed but actively involved in shaping local policies and service delivery. This includes empowering ward committees, enhancing transparency in public meetings, and reforming participatory budgeting to ensure that public input is meaningfully integrated into final decisions. The research findings will contribute towards the development of robust social accountability mechanisms, promoting a more profound and genuine form of citizen participation that is adaptable and applicable to other municipalities within and beyond South African borders.