Equality of the graveyard: Participatory democracy in the context of housing delivery

Abstract

The spate of service delivery protests in recent times is an indicator of how the poor see themselves as ‘radically other’ from the privileged few. The general lack of responsiveness of political representatives to citizen’s needs and concerns has an alienating effect, rendering the vulnerable communities concerned frustrated, angry and disempowered. Despite the promise of universal adult suffrage, and the potential for positive change to attitudes and policies in decisions such as Grootboom and post-Grootboom, citizens are increasingly disillusioned and frustrated with the lack of access to adequate housing and basic services.