South Africa is a typical, liberal, representative, democratic state whereby the ability of the elected representatives' decision-making power is subject to the constitutional laws that emphasise the protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals. Public participation places obligations and limitations on the leaders on the extent to which the will of the majority can be exercised against the rights of minorities. However, the success of a liberal democratic government can only be measured by the extent of citizen's participation in the process of governance. In adopting a sociological approach that highlights the persistent resentment and violence across the country, this article focuses on the civil unrest associated with the redetermination of municipal boundaries. In this regard, public consultation is viewed as a form of the regulatory process aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and public involvement t