Introduction
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa established a
"sovereign, democratic state" that would ensure "accountability,
responsiveness and openness". In section 59 and 118, it states that both the
national and provincial Legislature must facilitate public involvement in
the processes of the Legislature and the committees, to ensure "effective,
transparent, accountable and coherent government". This form of
constitutional democracy limits the powers of the government and ensures
that citizens work within the framework of institutions and laws to improve
their quality of life.
The ability of individuals to affect change within government is an essential characteristic of a democratic government. In order for people to effectively participate in the new democracy they must be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills. The relationship that exists between government and its people is a reciprocal one. Information exchange and communication should not only flow from the voters to the government, but also from the government to the voters. The government must ensure that they communicate to the people on what is possible or most feasible with respect to governance.
Due to the historical alienation from the political process, there is a need to develop and facilitate innovative forms of democratic participation in governance. We need to start at grass-roots level in establishing the basic processes and structures of participatory democracy. Time is of the essence, for people need time to overcome their fears and misperceptions of the government.
The focal point of a public education and participation programme will be to disseminate information promote interaction with government institutions and educate people about their democratic rights and responsibilities and ways in which they can be exercised. The aims of the Public Relations Section at the Free State Legislature are to ensure that the goals of public education and participation can be realised.
PR
Section
The Public Relations Section was formed following the April 1994
elections and the establishment of the Free State Legislature. It was
realised that to develop the democratic culture and good governance, the
public needs to understand what democracy is and how to access the
institutions to raise their concerns and ensure accountability with the
government. The objectives of the Public Relations Section are to inform the
public about democratic processes, their rights and responsibilities. To
educate the public about what happens in the Legislature and ways in which
they can gain access to the Legislature, to motivate individuals and
organisations to become active citizens and engage in the policy making
process, and finally to familiarise the public about their directly elected
representatives. In order to achieve these objectives the Public Relations
section has organised and will in future have to organise many activities,
amongst those is the Open Week Project, Women’s Parliament and Youth
Parliament.