A recurring problem remains the lack of guidelines prescribing minimum levels of consultation. This is an important indicator to see how well the public is encouraged to participate in policy-making. Given the challenges of creating a common understanding of participatory governance; formulating and implementing minimum guidelines on consultation, by departments, is important. A recurring challenge is the lack of redress mechanisms in terms of the Batho Pele Principle of Redress. A very small proportion of departments (3- 5%) rated themselves as excellent in the implementation of this principle.