After <i>Izimbizo</i>, what next? A participatory development communication approach to analysing feedback by the Limpopo Provincial Government to its citizens

Abstract

The new democracy in South Africa advocates for a community participatory approach in matters of governance using the Imbizo (plural, Izimbizo) among other channels. Existent studies on Imbizo indicate that the major motivation for organisation of such gatherings by governments appears to be interactive community mobilisation, rather than feedback to matters raised during such gatherings. However, if participatory development aided by communication is to be effective, then it is imperative that feedback is provided not only during a once-off interaction with citizens by government but also, and more importantly, as follow-up to grievances raised during Imbizo.Adoption of Imbizo as effective channels of communication necessitates a provision of quality feedback by government to service delivery concerns raised at the Imbizo.A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with participants from three local municipalities in Limpopo Province. Findings reveal that the Limpopo Provincial Government does not provide adequate feedback to service delivery matters raised by communities during Imbizo. The study is relevant to the scholarship of government communication in the context of public discourse, which attributes growing sporadic service delivery protests to poor or inadequate feedback from government.

Participatory budgeting in a South African local municipality

“…The public outreach programs (popularly known as Izimbizo) were seen by the citizens as merely informing the public about what the KSD municipal officials have crafted rather than a participatory exercise. Writing about Izimbizo, Baloyi and Lubinga (2017) also confirm that, currently, the motivation of Izimbizo is interactive community mobilisation, rather than feedback to matters raised during such gatherings. Silima and Auriacombe (2013) contend that Izimbizo lack authenticity as tools of participation as the platform only provides for partial participation.…”

“…There is a growing body of literature on local level public participation in South Africa that attests to its importance in local government (Baloyi and Lubinga, 2017;Modise, 2017). The Constitution [RSA, (1996), p.74] stipulates that one of the objectives of municipalities is "to encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government".…”

“…According to Baloyi and Lubinga (2017), the poor implementation of service delivery redress mechanisms and the provision of insufficient feedback characterises most South African municipalities. Lines of communication must be improved between the municipal officials and councillors, so that the latter is always updated about the status of budget formulation and implementation.…”

Isizulu-Speaking Caregivers’ Perceptions on Disclosing Child Sexual Abuse

“…Imbizos serve as discussion forums for a variety of community concerns, including CSA, whereas awareness campaigns help to raise awareness of CSA, its implications, preventative techniques, and accessible services for assistance and reporting (Goodyear-Brown, 2012). Community members can be educated about CSA by organising imbizos and awareness campaigns, which include knowledge on identifying signs of abuse, the importance of reporting suspected cases, and the availability of support services for survivors, all in accordance with the principles of ubuntu (Baloyi & Lubinga, 2017). Ubuntu emphasizes the connectivity of all people and the importance of children in isiZulu culture, hence harmful activities directed at children violate these values and must be addressed.…”

“…According to Goodyear-Brown (2012), a community's response to crime reflects its culture, and imbizos can assist to build a culture of reporting CSA to authorities, which is associated with the ubuntu concept, which promotes community and connection. This can reduce the stigma and shame that often prevent caregivers from reporting abuse claims (Baloyi & Lubinga, 2017).…”