Call for Abstracts: Public Participation Conference

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature is the parliament of Gauteng, an institution that oversee the government work in the province. Its main functions are law making, Executive Council and Provincial Government Departments' accountability.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature is calling for abstracts for the Public Participation Conference (PPP Indaba) under the theme “The People Shall Govern: Public Participation Beyond Slogans”, to be held from 29 February to 2 March 2012 in Johannesburg.

The conference aims to share key insights and knowledge on improving citizens’ meaningful participation in governance processes. Also, the conference will seek to build a body of knowledge on public participation and civic education to benefit the legislative sector.

The specific objectives of the conference are to:

• Build a body of knowledge to benefit the legislative sector;
• Strengthen public participation strategies in governance processes;
• Share knowledge and skills required to facilitate meaningful public participation;
• Bridge the existing gap between theory and practice;
• Invest in public participation initiatives in governance processes;
• Enhance the role of legislatures/parliaments in facilitating public participation.

Theme 1: Public Participation, International best	Theme 2: Public Participation, National perspectives practices	Theme 3: Public Participation at Local Government level
Sub-themes:	Sub-themes:	Sub-themes:
Public participation in integrated development plans of local municipalities: A case studyMainstreaming public participation in governance processes to inculcate a culture of civic involvement. Public participation in budget processes - the power of the purse - A case study. Effective petition systems in legislatures. Enabling systems, processes and organisational culture for promoting relevant and quality civic education and public reach.	The doctrine of the separation of powers: examining the integrated and interdependent arms of the State and the missing link in public participation. Mainstreaming public participation in governance processes to inculcate a culture of civic involvement Public participation in budget processes: A case for meaningful public involvement – the South African experience. Effective petition systems in legislatures Impact assessment of public participation processes	Public participation in integrated development plans (IDP) of local municipalities Public participation in Budget processes: A case for meaningful public involvement – Community/grassroots experiences

Authors are required to submit abstracts of between 100 and 1200 words by 9 December 2011. Included in the cover page of the abstract should be the title of the paper, the name of the author (s) and e-mail address (es).

Submit your abstract to J Robertson at JRobertson@gpl.gov.za or post to Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Private Bag X52, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa. Aslo, you can hand deliver to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (Corner President and Loveday Streets), Johannesburg (CBD).

Enquiries: E-mail: JRobertson@gpl.gov.za.

For more about the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, refer to http://gpl.gov.za.

To view other opportunities, visit www.ngopulse.org/group/home-page/other-opportunities.