The subsequent report aims to amplify and articulate the voices of those who feel on the outside of policy-making processes. It combines an academic analysis of the concepts related to public participation and the virtues of a participatory democracy, with a record and description of real-life experiences of citizens trying to influence decision-makers.
people
Ephrem Gebre
Ephrem Gebre is the Peace and development advisor to the United Nations. He holds a M.A. in Development Management Institute of Development Research and Development Policy from the
Ruhr University Bochum, M.A. in Development Studies Institute of Social Development, School of Government from the University of the Western Cape and B.A. Political Science and International Relations (PSIR); Management and Public Administration(MPA) of Social Sciences from the Austrian Study Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR).
Gillian Ameck
Gillian Ameck is the Program Manager at Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp. She obtained her BA Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Buea.
Colin Christensen
Colin Christensen is the Global Policy Director at One Acre Fund. He holds a MA in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a BA History and English from The University of Texas.
Pamela Masiko
Pamela Masiko is Director for Policy and Research at Western Cape Government: Department of Human Settlements. An experienced Public Policy Specialist specializing in housing, human settlement and local governance policy and research. She has also worked in the NGO sector for almost a decade specializing in peacebuilding, human rights, political governance, election monitoring, as well as local governance.
Mpho Matlhakola
Mpho Matlhakola is a highly skilled peacebuilder and conflict resolution consultant with years of experience in the field of peacebuilding.
Westen Shilaho
Westen Shilaho is currently affiliated to South African Research Chair (SARChI): African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, University of Johannesburg as a Research Fellow. He obtained his PhD (Politics) from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Richard Smith
Richard Melville Smith is Senior Mediation Advisor at Standby Team UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. He obtained his M.Phil. Conflict Transformation and Management Development Economics and International Relations. Mediation, Negotiation and Dialogue from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Diploma in Adult Basic Education and Training from the University of South Africa and B.Soc. Sc. Economics and Psychology from the University of Cape Town.
