Chapter VII, Article 71(1) of the Constitution states that local government shall be organised so as to involve as many people as possible in the task of managing and developing the communities in which they live. Thus, local democratic organs have an obligation to encourage civic participation in decision-making and service delivery.

Community engagement is central to democracy, and effective local governance. Community engagement depends on councillors and staff having good communication skills and putting in place mechanisms, systems, procedures etc. that encourage interaction between the local government and the various stakeholders.

There are many strategies to enhance community engagement, from improving public communication to entering into formal partnerships with community groups or local businesses. Different strategies will be needed for different “stakeholders” within the various areas. Councillors and staff will need to identify and interact with the key stakeholders in the community to know how they want to participate in managing their own affairs and what strategy will work best to engage them.