Social accountability mechanisms in a decentralised state : exploring implementation challenges

This paper reports on research that examined the challenges encountered by the City of Tshwane in responding to citizen demands for social accountability. The research draws on data collected through a mixed-method approach in selected communities within the City of Tshwane in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The research established that a range of challenges hamper public officials’ quest for social accountability mechanisms. These include not just a lack of political will or a lack of interest by the citizenry but also to a lack of the requisite skills and resources needed to carry out a full blown consultative and communication process.