Navigating the Dilemmas of Digital Public Participation in Rural Areas of South Africa

Abstract

E-participation has evolved through three generations, from basic information-sharing to interactive platforms enabled by Web 2.0 technologies and social media. While these digital tools have opened new avenues for public engagement in policymaking, particularly in local government, they also present significant dilemmas. Early initiatives were often criticised as top-down and ineffective, failing to engage marginalised groups such as rural citizens, women, African blacks, and youth. These shortcomings stem more from social, institutional, and administrative barriers than technical limitations. In South Africa, public participation frameworks, such as the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), aim to deepen democratic engagement. However, meaningful participation remains limited, especially in disadvantaged and rural areas. Key challenges include inadequate institutional capacity, limited resources, poor communication, weak feedback mechanisms, and socio-economic inequalities. Urban, well-resourced citizens are more likely to engage through e-participation channels, while those lacking digital access and skills are excluded, reinforcing existing power imbalances and the digital divide. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of e-participation, amplifying both its potential and its risks. Despite the rapid adoption of digital participation tools in Africa and South Africa, there is limited empirical understanding of why these platforms fail to enable meaningful, inclusive engagement in disadvantaged local municipalities where institutional, socio-economic, and capacity barriers persist. This study investigates these dynamics in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality using a mixed-methods approach. A total of 312 community members were selected through probability sampling, alongside three municipal officials using non-probability methods. Data collection involved online surveys and face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS 29.0, employing Pearson Correlation, Regression, ANOVA, and Coefficient of Determination, while qualitative data were examined through thematic content analysis. Findings suggest that while e-participation can expand public involvement, it must address critical dilemmas to be effective. The study recommends that municipalities prioritise digital inclusion by providing free internet access in public spaces such as community halls. Empowering marginalised communities is essential for more equitable and participatory digital governance in South Africa. The study contributes new empirical insights into the drivers of unequal digital participation and provides actionable recommendations for strengthening local government policy, institutional capacity, and inclusive e-participation practice.