The People's Voice: Public Participation and the Soul of South African Democracy

At a time when faith in our democratic and government institutions is fading, The People’s Voice offers a timely and powerful response.

Authored by Daryl Swanepoel and published by the Inclusive Society Institute, this book is a bold call to action for South Africa’s democracy. It reminds us that public participation is not a privilege, nor is it optional—it is a constitutional right and a democratic necessity.

Through incisive legal analysis, compelling case studies, and a deep moral interrogation of post-apartheid governance, Swanepoel exposes the systemic failures that have turned public engagement from an inviolable constitutional mandate into a mere box-ticking exercise.

But this is not a work of despair. It charts a path toward inclusive, accountable and effective participatory governance, drawing on insights from constitutional scholars, judicial rulings and grassroots voices.

Whether you are a policymaker, academic, civil society activist, or simply an engaged citizen, this book will challenge your assumptions and deepen your understanding. From the Freedom Charter to the Constitutional Court, Swanepoel reminds us that “the people shall govern” was not a slogan - it was a promise.

The People’s Voice is more than a book. It is a democratic wake-up call. It is about restoring legitimacy, empowering the public, and breathing life back into the soul of South African democracy.

✅ Price: R200 + delivery

📖 Read it. Reflect on it. Act on it. Because democracy only works when the people are heard.

👉 To order your copy, contact us at info@inclusivesociety.org.za.