The COMPACT programme is designed to achieve a more responsive and accountable local government in South Africa by deepening democracy, enhancing the participation of local communities in the integrated development planning (IDP) processes (with particular emphasis on water and sanitation) and improving planning and oversight of service delivery in municipalities through enhanced community participation.

In 2022 and 2023, action research was undertaken in the 12 partner municipalities, including individual interviews and focus groups with Mayors, Speakers, Municipal Managers, senior managers, officials ward councillors and ward committee members. Research findings show challenges and opportunities in relation to the IDP public participation process, ward committees, communication, operational planning, performance management, and the political-administrative interface in municipalities. Citizen engagement workshops will be held in municipalities in 2023.

COMPACT will use the findings and recommendations of the action research to co-develop a ‘toolbox’ of tools and resources to be piloted by municipalities to improve participation, planning and oversight.