Factors motivating community participation in the Bushbuckridge municipality in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa

Abstract

Participation is a fundamental component of any community enrichment programme. Current knowledge and understanding about what motivates communities to participate in local community initiatives are however limited, especially in a South African context. This study aimed to identify the factors that motivates local community members to participate in the construction and running of early childhood development (ECD) centres in the Bushbuckridge municipality in the Province of Mpumalanga. To achieve this aim, we engaged with Team Frank Africa – a non-profit organization (NPO) that builds and runs early childhood development (ECD) centres in the municipality with the assistance of local community members. Two focus group discussions were held with local community members, and two interviews were held with Team Frank members to identify what motivates local community participation in these ECDs. Findings revealed that community participation in this context is largely driven by self-interest, and a sense of ownership. Overall findings reaffirm the fact that community participation is a complex process, and its determinants are highly influenced by personal and socio-economic circumstances. We believe that the study contributes to our understanding of community participation in a rural South African context as well as contributes knowledge to the sustainability of future community development programmes in similar contexts.