ASSIGNMENT 2
SEMESTER 2 2026
UNIQUE NO. 279388
DUE DATE: 4 SEPTEMBER 2026
, Introduction to Professionalism for Policing IIB - PRF2602
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2026
QUESTION 1.1: BATHO PELE PRINCIPLES
Batho Pele is a Sesotho expression meaning “People First.” It is a South African
public-service initiative aimed at transforming the delivery of government services by
ensuring that members of the public are treated as important recipients of those
services. The Batho Pele approach requires public servants to place the needs, rights
and interests of citizens at the centre of service delivery. The eight established Batho
Pele principles are consultation, service standards, access, courtesy, information,
openness and transparency, redress, and value for money (South African
Government, 2026).
The principles are discussed below.
1. Consultation
Consultation means that members of the public should be consulted about the level and
quality of services they receive and, where possible, should have an opportunity to
express their preferences concerning services. Government institutions should therefore
listen to communities rather than simply deciding what services people require without
their involvement.
In policing, consultation is particularly important because the police operate within
communities and depend on the public for information, cooperation and support.
Community consultation can assist the police in identifying local crime problems and
determining whether policing services are meeting community expectations.
Consultation therefore contributes to a police service that is responsive to the needs of
the people.
2. Service standards