The influence of public participation on the Corridors of Freedom policy-making process and project: the case of Empire-Perth Development Corridor
Date
2016-07-14
Authors
Peens, Bradley C
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Abstract
In South Africa public participation is the cornerstone of our democracy, yet it often has limited
influence over the final outcome and does not form an important part of the policy-making process.
I investigate a controversial corridor development process in Johannesburg – Empire-Perth Corridor
of Freedom and how participation influenced the process and content. Through in-depth interviews
with key individuals and through analysis of various documents I stitch together how this
participation process unfolded. The policy process was highly complex and faced many internal
challenges. It was carried out by consultants and initially was technocratic with limited participation
but through a mix of resident mobilisation, opposition, and co-operation the process shifted to a
more open one where new spaces for participation emerged where the public were able to
influence some decisions. For a process similar to this one to run smoother it is essential the project
team use graphics and illustrations which are context specific and capture the essence of the
project. Participation needs to be embraced from the start and clearly incorporated into consultant’s
briefs, and a variety of spaces for participation need to be provided. These are essential factors
contributing to the success of corridor policies which are arguably the most controversial in
planning.
Key words: public participation, policy-making process, corridor development, resident mobilisation.
Description
A research report submitted to
the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,
ce public participation on the Corri
om policy-making process and projec
Empire-Perth Development Corridor
Bradley C. Peens
ted the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environme
nesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
of Science in Development Planning
Johannesburg, 2015