‘Meaningful engagement’ in the realisation of socio-economic rights: The South African experience

Abstract

One of the key concerns, evidenced from South Africa’s socio-economic rights jurisprudence, that has impacted negatively on the realisation of socio-economic rights in the country, especially at grass roots level, has been the inability or limited opportunities for participation of, and reasonable engagement with, a majority of the population in decision making processes of government and in the provision of services. More often than not, government officials have assimilated the Apartheid system where decisions are made in a centralised bureaucracy without involving local people. This is despite the Constitution’s contemplation of a participatory democracy that is accountable, transparent, responsive and open and makes provision for the participation of society in decision-making processes.