Page 122 - UKZN Proceedings of the Conference Report

needs of young people. Furthermore, students called for greater transparency and inclusivity in municipal operations, reflecting a demand for stronger accountability from local governments. Policymakers should take note of these preferences and work closely with tech developers to create apps that facilitate two-way communication between users and municipal officials. Ensuring timely responses to user reports and feedback is particularly crucial for fostering trust and sustained engagement.
Broader literature context
In the broader context of civic technology adoption, these findings align with existing literature on the role of digital platforms in enhancing youth participation. Scholars such as Percy-Smith et al. (2019) argue that technology can bridge the gap between local governments and younger populations by providing platforms that cater to their communication preferences. The findings from this study support this notion, demonstrating that smartphones are the preferred tool for engagement among youth, who value the convenience and immediacy that these devices offer. However, the challenges identified, such as app reliability and privacy concerns, are consistent with previous research on digital divides in municipal governance (Alberti and Senese 2020). These issues highlight the fact that not all users have equal access to the technology or the same level of trust in its security, which can hinder widespread adoption. Therefore, addressing these divides through targeted policy interventions, such as providing free data access to municipal apps or improving app security, is essential for ensuring that smartphone technology can be an effective tool for increasing youth participation in municipal matters.
Conclusions and policy recommendations
This study highlights the potential of smartphone appli- cations to revolutionise youth engagement in municipal governance. The findings show that these digital platforms are generally perceived as useful and easy to use, consis- tent with the TAM. However, for smartphone apps to reach their full potential in enhancing civic engagement, policy- makers and developers must address the challenges iden- tified by users, including technical issues, privacy concerns, and the need for more responsive app designs. In terms of policy, it is crucial that the South African local government framework fully embraces the role of digital platforms in enhancing public participation. Policies such as the Munic- ipal Systems Act (2000), which governs public participation in local government, should explicitly incorporate digital engagement mechanisms to ensure that the use of smart- phone applications is both encouraged and facilitated. These platforms can provide municipalities with real-time data on youth sentiments, enhancing decision-making processes and making governance more inclusive.
Furthermore, the Youth Development Policy Framework (2020–2030) should be revised to reflect the importance of digital tools in fostering civic engagement, especially among young South Africans. This policy could include provisions for digital literacy programmes aimed at youth, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring that they are not left behind in the digital age. It could also recommend funding for app development that prioritizes inclusivity, data security, and accessibility for young people.
The Framework for Public Participation must also evolve to account for the growing importance of digital channels in civic discourse. Local government structures should be encouraged to use these platforms for consultations, discussions, and feedback loops with youth, ensuring a participatory governance model that is responsive and transparent. Specific provisions should be made for the integration of feedback systems in municipal websites and apps, ensuring that public input is easily gathered, analysed, and acted upon. Additionally, the Digital Transformation and e-Governance Policies should be updated to align with these goals, focusing on enhancing the digital infrastructure of municipalities to ensure reliable access to these platforms. Clear guidelines on data protection and user privacy, in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 2013, must be enforced to build trust and safeguard users’ information while engaging in civic activities online. Finally, the Smart Cities and Innovation Policies should prioritise technological solutions that foster inclusive urban governance, ensuring that apps like My Munici-Pal are fully integrated into South Africa’s Smart City initiatives. Such integration would ensure that young people are not just consumers of governance but active participants in shaping their local communities. This approach will lead to more effective, transparent, and inclusive local government policies that resonate with youth and reflect their needs and aspirations.
In conclusion, a concerted effort to embed digital tools within municipal governance, supported by the appropriate policy frameworks, will significantly enhance youth participation in South African local government, making the governance process more dynamic and representative of all its citizens.
Statement on data availability: The data utilised in this research were collected through questionnaires distributed to participants as part of the study on youth participation in municipal matters via smartphone apps. The dataset includes thematic responses related to the usability, features, challenges, and engagement strategies of municipal apps. The data are not publicly available due to privacy and confidentiality agreements with participants but may be made available from the corresponding author
120
| Proceedings of the conference on Public innovation, develoPment and sustainability