Implications of the protection of state information bill on government accountability: a critical analysis of governance in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Obi, Maryjane Chukwunyem
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Government accountability , Transparency in government , Post-apartheid era -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25874 , vital:64560
- Description: The study explores the following research questions; the nature of State access to and restriction of information during the apartheid era, the tenets of democratic leadership and good governance in the new dispensation in South Africa and the possible consequences of the Bill in its present form on democratic principles of accountability and transparency in South Africa. In terms of the methodology, the study critically analysed some sections of the Protection of State Information Bill-B6-2010 in relation to the principles of accountability and transparency in a democratic South Africa in accordance to the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution section 32. The study recommends that government could include “public interest clause to the current Bill. This is to ensure that the public are able to play their Constitutional role, in which they are able to hold government accountable for the decisions taken and also help foster a system of government that is accountable, transparent, open, efficient and responsive to the Constitutional needs of the public. In addition, the study also recommends that government should consider the reduction of the period within which information may be declassified. It suggests that it should be reduced from 20 to 10 years in order to ensure that democratic government provides its citizens with information that is timely in making an informed decision in relation to governance. The study further recommends that the appeal process for information before the court of law should be done by an independent judge. This is to ensure that the court of law performs its duties without interference from government representatives and that it carries out its duties in a fair manner as envisaged or enshrined in section 34 of the Constitution in the Bill of Rights. The study further recommends that government should ensure that the current information Bill in the new dispensation should hold the elected delegates appointed by the Head of State accountable. This is to ensure that transparency and accountability is promoted at all level in government. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2015
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- Date Issued: 2015-01
The performance of O R Tambo district municipality regarding water service delivery
- Authors: Xala, Zandile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:16141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009318 , Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Description: Access to water services in South Africa still remains a dream for most people, especially those who live in remote areas. The poverty stricken communities of the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape are in need of water and sanitation services. The findings of the study reveal that most community members are dissatisfied with the water service delivery. During an interview with ward 6 residents who reside in an urban area of the OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), they revealed that pipe bursting is one of the main causes why from time to time they do not have water. The other factor is when there is no electricity; the water system depends on the availability of electricity. The South African local government has been mandated to consult with its citizenry in respect of the processes relating to water service delivery. South Africa has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures community consultation on a continuous basis with regard to how water services should be delivered. It is the community‟s right to be consulted and to give input on issues that directly affect them. The researcher used a qualitative research method since it would provide the reader with more insight into how water services are delivered in the ORTDM. Both community members and municipal officials were interviewed. A number of findings have been made during the research. Some community members are of the view that constant community consultation could reduce service delivery protests. Political intervention needs to be made by the leadership with regard to service delivery and more resources need to be committed toward those processes. This study was conducted from April 2012 to November 2012 and was aimed at assessing the performance of OR Tambo District Municipality regarding water service delivery. According to OR Tambo DM (2011/12: 3), the communities through the consultation processes conducted throughout five (5) local municipalities made it clear that ensuring increased access to water and sanitation services is still the main priority.
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- Date Issued: 2012