CPD1501 Assignment 2
Semester 2 2024
(623079) - DUE 2
September 2024
[Company address]
, CPD1501 Assignment 2 Semester 2 2024 (623079) - DUE 2 September 2024
Question 1
How can citizens hold public officials accountable in a democratic society? Provide
examples of accountability mechanisms in South Africa. (25)
In a democratic society, citizens can hold public officials accountable through various
mechanisms that ensure transparency, responsibility, and responsiveness. These
mechanisms typically include electoral processes, legal frameworks, public
participation, media scrutiny, and institutional checks and balances. In the context of
South Africa, several specific accountability mechanisms are noteworthy:
1. Elections:
• Regular Elections: Citizens can vote public officials out of office if they are
dissatisfied with their performance. South Africa holds regular national,
provincial, and local elections, providing a direct way for citizens to influence who
holds public office.
• Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC): The IEC ensures free and fair
elections, maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
2. Legal Frameworks:
• Constitution: The South African Constitution is the supreme law of the land,
setting out the rights of citizens and the duties of public officials. It provides a
legal basis for holding officials accountable.
Semester 2 2024
(623079) - DUE 2
September 2024
[Company address]
, CPD1501 Assignment 2 Semester 2 2024 (623079) - DUE 2 September 2024
Question 1
How can citizens hold public officials accountable in a democratic society? Provide
examples of accountability mechanisms in South Africa. (25)
In a democratic society, citizens can hold public officials accountable through various
mechanisms that ensure transparency, responsibility, and responsiveness. These
mechanisms typically include electoral processes, legal frameworks, public
participation, media scrutiny, and institutional checks and balances. In the context of
South Africa, several specific accountability mechanisms are noteworthy:
1. Elections:
• Regular Elections: Citizens can vote public officials out of office if they are
dissatisfied with their performance. South Africa holds regular national,
provincial, and local elections, providing a direct way for citizens to influence who
holds public office.
• Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC): The IEC ensures free and fair
elections, maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
2. Legal Frameworks:
• Constitution: The South African Constitution is the supreme law of the land,
setting out the rights of citizens and the duties of public officials. It provides a
legal basis for holding officials accountable.
