Abstract

The report concludes that effective approaches for empowerment requires a combination of intensive and strong community facilitation, CSOs that have effective relationships with government, community organisers who are flexible and responsive to the interests of the citizens and cadres and political will for government reform and transparency. CSOs and cadres act as a bridge from citizens to government and continued efforts are needed to build their capacities and networks and to strengthen channels of communication and engagement mechanisms between all governance actors. Success stories within the Program show that government's willingness and encouragement for citizen empowerment in some location has been critical, recognising that it serves the government's interest to have an educated citizenry that can hold the public sector in check as well as value the work of the public service.