The Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape samples shared relatively low levels of participation. The percentages reflect the proportions of people who said they do participate often or continuously. Participation, Standard of Living and Trust in Government Participation in policy-making processes is generally more likely among South Africans who trust the government than among citizens who do not feel they can trust the government. The findings in this study confirm this. The percentages reflect the proportions of respondents who intend to participate.
Political participation seems to be far from an litist endeavour of a higher class.
The intention to participate did not differ between the groups, which suggests that class is not such an important factor in participation. The percentages reflect the proportions of respondents who said they do participate often or continuously. The percentages reflect the proportions of respondents who said they do participate often or continuously. The greater the knowledge, the more willing respondents were to participate. Attending public hearings of local councils was more likely among respondents who had a better understanding of the functioning of local councils.