Socio-Economic Status That Have Impacted on Programmes Participation : A case study of uMhlathuze Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

An evaluative study that applied mixed methods to investigate perceptions and attitudes on participation of people in programmes.The major objective of this study was to assess the impact of socio-economic status of the people at uMhlathuze municipality on participation in developmental programmes. The study found out that, programmes such as the SMMES on skill acquisition, Craft, Tourism and Housing development, have not contributed to alleviate poverty. The study recommends that information dissemination, political tolerance, formation of pressure groups, regular meeting attendance, and provision of supportive policies were factors that would encourage and enhance participation in developmental programmes. Results revealed that Prior occupational status and satisfaction of previous programmes enhances participation and alternative income in terms of incentives or stipends by the facilitators aid to improve participation. Further studies should be geared towards policies that should enhance workers and business peoples' participation in developmental programmes. Social policies of the municipality should be designed to promote social inclusion of every member in that community.