Public participation is an integral part of local democracy and local governance. Currently, public participation permeates all legislation impacting on local government in South Africa. It enhances individual and group esteem and enables municipal functionaries to understand crucial issues that serve as an impetus for policymaking. The issues are prioritised so that the available resources can be used efficiently and effectively to address community needs. Legislation has been introduced to promote community participation at the local level and the most significant structures in this regard are ward committees. This article reviews the ward governance system as it is currently operational in Buffalo City Municipality in East London and the resultant challenges that have to be addressed. The study has revealed that ward committees have not been effective. This has impacted negatively on service delivery in the City. By and large, res