Quick answers to help you understand and participate in South African government consultations.
A public consultation is a formal process where government invites citizens to provide feedback on proposed policies, laws, or regulations before they are finalized. This is a constitutional right in South Africa.
You can submit comments through Policy Pulse by finding the relevant policy, reading the summary, and using our guided submission form. We'll format your comment correctly and submit it to the appropriate department.
Yes! Government departments are legally required to consider public comments. Many policies have been changed or withdrawn based on public feedback. Your voice matters.
Not at all. Lived experience and personal perspective are valuable. Policymakers need to hear from ordinary citizens affected by their decisions, not just specialists.
Consultation periods typically range from 30 to 60 days, though this can vary depending on the complexity and urgency of the policy. Policy Pulse shows you the exact deadline for each consultation.
Comments submitted to government are generally considered public documents and may be published as part of the consultation record. However, personal information is usually redacted in published versions.
Your comment is submitted directly to the responsible government department. They are required to read and consider all public submissions before finalizing the policy. You may receive a confirmation receipt.
While your name and contact details are required for submission, you can request that your personal information be kept confidential. Some departments may honor this request, though it varies by department and policy.