The second principle in the NPDIR 2013 states that, “Stakeholders are effectively consulted and they have an opportunity to participate in the regulatory development process”. The public sector will become more of a facilitator and an enabler by fostering increased collaboration to find innovative approaches to resolving national issues. Collaboration within government and with the wider society will allow the nation as a whole to combine competencies, resources and capabilities in tackling our many development challenges.

This guideline on public consultation requires Government bodies to engage meaningfully with stakeholders when developing regulations that may affect businesses and the national or local populace. This is in line with the NPDIR that authorities proposing new regulations or changes in existing regulations must carry out timely and thorough consultations with affected and interested parties.


Public consultation will enable the government to:

• develop better and more practical regulations;
• identify the full range of affected parties;
• minimize the risk of unexpected consequences; and
• discover better implementation methods.

Involving interested parties in regulation development is also effective increasing stakeholder trust and engagement.. This is because consultation:

• promotes transparency and accountability;
• improves awareness and understanding of the policy and can address concerns; and
• encourages public ownership of the policy, thereby increasing public commitment.