 The interface between government, civil society and beneficiary communities is the cornerstone of building a culture of human rights. This programme will strengthen participatory democracy at all levels of government.
The Constitution provides for participatory democracy and makes provision for civil society participation in both the national and provincial legislatures. The Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) provides for community participation in government processes and projects which impact on local development. The Act creates the framework for community participation in the conceptualization, design and implementation and monitoring of the programmes at the local level. The programme could also function as an effective mechanism for accountability by public servants and elected officials.
Often communities and CSO have not been able to use existing opportunities for participation as empowering tools to strengthen local democracy and community development. This observation is also true for all levels of public life. The inadequate presence of the voices of the vulnerable in these processes, rob the nation of critical inputs to help deepen and sustain a democratic culture based on the values enshrined in the constitution.
The activities that will deliver to this result area will enhance participatory democracy through public policy dialogue, civil society networking and through the strengthening the capacity of CSOs.
Activities:
- Convene provincial and national forums between CSOs and the government on human rights issues.
- Building the capacity of CSO staff and members to enhance participatory democracy.
- Support CSOs to participate in public policy dialogue and develop a programme to build and support CSOnetworks.
- Develop a programme to build and support CSO networks and their human rights initiatives in South Africa and the region
- Develop programmes which facilitate dialogue between CSOs and public institutions especially chapter 9 institutions.
|
