‘Bringing government to the people’: women, local governance and community participation in South Africa

摘要: This paper considers the ongoing political transformations in South Africa context of debates about good governance and participatory democracy. It first appraises current local government Africa, focusing specifically on relationships between gender equality citizenship one hand, policy, legislation, community participation other, then explores meanings how they inform approaches towards socio-economic development. The findings primary research conducted with civil society organisations black women communities Cape Town metropolitan area are explored through three interrelated themes. First, model structured that is central to Africa’s democratic transformation assessed from perspective women. Second, cultures alienation, both within structures amongst extent which recent restructuring combating or contributing these explored. Third, policies dealing conflict target groups analysed, whether stakeholder group politics obliterate important differences interests alternative might be more effective terms women’s empowerment. Finally, interpreted relation theoretical concepts democracy, potential problems realising process toward developmental assessed.