POL1501
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 7 April 2026
QUESTION 1
Policy
Policy can be understood as a formal declaration of intent that guides action. It sets out what
should be done, how it should be done, and by whom. According to Van der Waldt and
Gerrit Du Toit, policy is a series of interrelated decisions taken by authorities to transform
societal needs into objectives that institutions must pursue. In this sense, policy provides
direction and ensures that actions are not random but structured and goal-driven (Van der
Merwe, 2012).
Policy therefore functions as a framework that guides behaviour within organisations or
institutions. It reflects intentions and establishes procedures for achieving specific outcomes.
It can exist in both public and private sectors and is not limited to government activities.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
Policy
Policy can be understood as a formal declaration of intent that guides action. It sets
out what should be done, how it should be done, and by whom. According to Van der
Waldt and Gerrit Du Toit, policy is a series of interrelated decisions taken by
authorities to transform societal needs into objectives that institutions must pursue.
In this sense, policy provides direction and ensures that actions are not random but
structured and goal-driven (Van der Merwe, 2012).
Policy therefore functions as a framework that guides behaviour within organisations
or institutions. It reflects intentions and establishes procedures for achieving specific
outcomes. It can exist in both public and private sectors and is not limited to
government activities.
Public Policy
Public policy refers specifically to decisions and actions taken by government on
behalf of society. It includes both what government chooses to do and what it
deliberately chooses not to do. Thomas Dye defines public policy as “whatever
governments choose to do or not to do,” emphasising government authority in
decision-making.
Similarly, Hanekom describes public policy as a guide for action, a mechanism to
achieve societal goals, and a way of allocating resources within society. Public policy
is therefore goal-oriented and aimed at addressing public needs such as safety,
welfare and development (Van der Merwe, 2012).
It is developed mainly by government institutions, although external actors like
interest groups may influence it. Public policy is also rooted in societal values and is
implemented through legislation and public programmes.
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 7 April 2026
QUESTION 1
Policy
Policy can be understood as a formal declaration of intent that guides action. It sets out what
should be done, how it should be done, and by whom. According to Van der Waldt and
Gerrit Du Toit, policy is a series of interrelated decisions taken by authorities to transform
societal needs into objectives that institutions must pursue. In this sense, policy provides
direction and ensures that actions are not random but structured and goal-driven (Van der
Merwe, 2012).
Policy therefore functions as a framework that guides behaviour within organisations or
institutions. It reflects intentions and establishes procedures for achieving specific outcomes.
It can exist in both public and private sectors and is not limited to government activities.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
Policy
Policy can be understood as a formal declaration of intent that guides action. It sets
out what should be done, how it should be done, and by whom. According to Van der
Waldt and Gerrit Du Toit, policy is a series of interrelated decisions taken by
authorities to transform societal needs into objectives that institutions must pursue.
In this sense, policy provides direction and ensures that actions are not random but
structured and goal-driven (Van der Merwe, 2012).
Policy therefore functions as a framework that guides behaviour within organisations
or institutions. It reflects intentions and establishes procedures for achieving specific
outcomes. It can exist in both public and private sectors and is not limited to
government activities.
Public Policy
Public policy refers specifically to decisions and actions taken by government on
behalf of society. It includes both what government chooses to do and what it
deliberately chooses not to do. Thomas Dye defines public policy as “whatever
governments choose to do or not to do,” emphasising government authority in
decision-making.
Similarly, Hanekom describes public policy as a guide for action, a mechanism to
achieve societal goals, and a way of allocating resources within society. Public policy
is therefore goal-oriented and aimed at addressing public needs such as safety,
welfare and development (Van der Merwe, 2012).
It is developed mainly by government institutions, although external actors like
interest groups may influence it. Public policy is also rooted in societal values and is
implemented through legislation and public programmes.
