PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DECISIONMAKING IN SOUTH AFRICA—THE FRANKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROJECT

Abstract

ABSTRACT The history of South Africa has been one in which the vast mass of the population has, until recently, been excluded from participation in the political decisionmaking mechanisms of society. Broad-based participation however, is crucial if the public (particularly the historically disadvantaged), is to be engaged as an equal partner in responsible environmental decisionmaking. The aims of this paper are, firstly, to highlight some of the problems and shortcomings in the field of public participation in South Africa, especially with regard to the involvement of poor, black communities. Secondly, through the presentation of an environmental health case study, the procedures and techniques followed in order to ensure a high level of community involvement in an informal settlement, are described and evaluated.