In the South African context, public participation is an essential component for enhanced and effective accountable governance. National government, therefore, intends to effect a level of accountability and confidence from citizens in respect of governance for improved service delivery. Local government is an important sphere of government to facilitate sustained accountability and confidence in governance by engaging with the citizenry in a participatory manner to effect improved service delivery. However, despite a variety of legislative prescriptions pertaining to participation, a degree of apathy remains amongst communities. This article reviews the constitutional objectives that indicate the necessity for public participation. Additional legislative prescriptions that give effect to these objectives will also be reviewed. Proposals will be made for enhanced facilitation of public participation in the local sphere of government