Public versus stakeholder engagement: A distinction for policy-makers to avoid undue interference

Abstract

This paper examines the role of public participation in policy-making, with a focus on public health interventions in South Africa. Public participation processes are crucial for ensuring policies reflect the public good and incorporate the lived experiences of diverse communities to develop effective and responsive solutions. However, improper implementation can alienate segments of the population, erode trust and undermine the legitimacy of policy decisions. This paper highlights the concern that participatory processes are often skewed towards powerful stakeholders, such as corporate entities, rather than vulnerable groups who are most in need of public health policies. After delving into the nature of public participation in policy-making processes in South Africa, where and how these processes fall short, as well as how these processes are abused, this paper concludes with suggestions on how participation can be strengthened to reflect the public good.