Challenges of public participation in the implementation of portable toilets in South Africa: A case study of Makhaza area in Cape Town, Western Cape Province (2011-2015)

Abstract

This research critically sought to conduct a study, to find out whether there was public participation prior to the installation of portable flush toilets (porta potties) in Makhaza Area, Khayelitsha, during 2011-2015. A discussion of a theoretical framework on public participation and decision making forms the basis upon which this study is grounded. The study proceeded to explore public participation in public policy in the local South African context with a specific focus on the legislative environment. To gather information, a maximum number of 30 households in the area of study were interviewed using the technique of purposive sampling falling under non-probability sampling. The selected participants have a distinct connection with the phenomenon under research, and adequate and significant living knowledge of public participation, but have not participated in the process of public participation. Furthermore, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were followed in order to enrich the study deeply.