Toward meaningful civic engagement: A case study of civil society participation in legislative reform

Abstract

A participatory approach to policy and legislative reform is being implemented in contemporary South Africa. Views about its success are diverse and point to the complexity of making participatory models work in practice. This article is based on a case study of civil society participation in the development of the Children's Bill. It critically appraises the nature and scope of civil society participation in the various stages of the development of the legislation. Recommendations are made to promote meaningful participation in future legislative processes that could contribute to local and international best practice on civic engagement.