Who is mainly responsible for direct service delivery (like water and electricity) in the South African government system?
Local Government
What three things characterize Public Administration?
Public service orientation. Accountability and transparency. Focus on the public good
What is a significant challenge in the South African context for public administration , as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP)
The intricate relationship (and often clash) between the political and administrative spheres of government
What are the different pressures that cause a clash between politics and administration?
Politics is driven by popularity, deadlines, and public opinion. Administration is driven by budgets, regulations, and technical feasibility
Why is Local Government considered the foundational level of public administration?
It is the branch of government closest to the people, crucial for providing basic services, encouraging community development, and guaranteeing democratic participation.
What are the four different ways to classify or compare local government models
According to: 1. Local government’s role in relation to society.2. Level of autonomy. Power relations in local government. Structural arrangement of local government
Describe the Clientelist/Patronage Model of local government.
]Local politics revolves around strong leaders who protect citizens and deliver benefits (jobs/services) in return for support
What is the core idea of the Economic-Development Model?
Local government’s main job is promoting local economic growth (e.g., supporting local businesses or creating conditions for growth)
Which two principles determine the classification of local government according to its level of autonomy?
- State Regulation of Local Government Autonomy. 2. Distribution of Powers and Functions
What is the name of the key legislation that structures South African local government?
The Local Government: Municipal Structures Act no. 117 of 1998 (the “Structures Act”)
What are the three categories of municipalities in South Africa as provided for by the Constitution?
- Category A municipality (Metropolitan). ]2. Category B municipality (Local). 3. Category C municipality (District)
What are the five mandates of local government according to the Constitution of 1996?
- Provide democratic and accountable government. 2. Ensure sustainable provision of services. 3. Promote social and economic development.4. Promote a safe and healthy environment. 5. Encourage community involvement in local government matters.
Define Political Appointments and their potential negative impact on municipalities
Hiring public servants based on political loyalty rather than merit, which can undermine service delivery because unqualified personnel may lack the skills to handle administrative tasks.
Name the two main types of executive structures in South African municipalities as defined in the Structures Act.
- Collective executive system. 2. Mayoral executive system
How do the Collective Executive and Mayoral Executive systems differ in terms of accountability
In the Collective system, executive members report to the Council. In the Mayoral system, mayoral committee members report directly to and are accountable to the Executive Mayor.
What are the four classifications of local government according to their roles in relation to society
Clientist-Patronage, Economic- Development, Welfare and Market-Enabling
What are the classifications according to power relations in local government?
Representative body, political figure, executive administration
What three features does local government work on?
Council Oversight, Political Leadership, Professional Support
What are the four models of governing in local government?
Strong-mayor, Collective leadership, Leadership-by commitee, Council-manager
What issues has SA’s local government faced?
Skewed settlement patterns, concentratin of taxable resources, backlogs in service infrastucture, poor relations with communities
Explain the role of each sector of government in government service delivery
National: Policies and budgets
Provincial: Support and oversight
Local: Direct service delivery
Explain what an IDP is
An IDP (Integrated Development Plan) , encompasses all of a municipality’s goals and objectives for economic and social development in the short, medium and long-term. IDPs are meant to outline strategies to manage municipal finances for the purpose of facilitating everything from basic service provision to infrastructural development, improved spatial planning and even disaster management.
Name the four approaches that local government officials take to governing?
Strong-mayor, collective-leadership, leadership by committee, and council manager
What are the four types of municipalities that can be formed within each category of municipality?
Collective executive, mayoral executive, subcouncil paticipatory and ward participatory
