,LCP4809
MAY / JUNE 2026 MEMO
**LCP4809 UPDATED EXAM PACK 2026**
LCP4809 EXAMINATION MAY/JUNE 2026 MEMO
QUESTION 1
1.1
“During the early 1990s South Africa experienced a dramatic change in government:
from a discriminatory minority government to a democratically elected majority
government. Naturally, the new system of constitutional democracy has its
challenges as democracy is a complex concept. At its core is the element rule by the
people or participation of the public in government. Central to this is the notion that
the public must be empowered to participate actively and meaningfully in
governance”.
With the above statement, kindly discuss the concept of “co-operative governance”
and name at least three (3) types of spheres of government in South Africa. (10)
Co-operative governance refers to the constitutional principle that the different spheres of
government must work together in a coordinated manner to promote effective government
and serve the interests of the people. The Constitution does not establish the different
spheres of government as completely separate entities. Instead, they are required to
,cooperate with one another while respecting each sphere’s constitutional powers and
responsibilities.
Section 40(1) of the Constitution provides that government in South Africa consists of the
national, provincial and local spheres of government. These spheres are described as
distinctive, interdependent and interrelated. This means that each sphere has its own
powers and functions, but they must also cooperate when exercising those powers.
Section 41 of the Constitution sets out the principles of co-operative government. The
different spheres must respect the constitutional status, institutions, powers and functions of
government in the other spheres. They must also exercise their powers in a way that does
not encroach on the geographical, functional or institutional integrity of government in
another sphere.
Co-operative governance requires government institutions to communicate and coordinate
their actions. The different spheres should assist and support one another and attempt to
resolve disputes between them. This is particularly important in education because the
national and provincial governments have responsibilities that overlap in the education
sector.
The three spheres of government are the national sphere, the provincial sphere and the
local sphere. National government is responsible for matters requiring national policy,
coordination and legislation. Provincial government is responsible for provincial government
functions and concurrent areas such as education. Local government consists of
municipalities and is responsible for local government matters and municipal services.
Co-operative governance therefore promotes coordination between the three spheres while
ensuring that each sphere respects the constitutional powers and responsibilities of the
others.
1.2
According to Taylor et al (Education policies and the politics of change 23) “policy is
like an elephant: you recognise one when you see it, but it is somewhat difficult to
, define”. Briefly name the elements under the definition of policy outlined by Taylor.
(7)
Answer
Taylor et al identify several elements that assist in understanding the concept of policy.
Policy involves a course of action, meaning that it provides a particular direction or
approach that should be followed. Policy is also purposive, because it is developed with a
particular purpose or objective in mind.
Policy involves decisions concerning what should be done about a particular issue. It
commonly responds to problems or issues that require government or institutional
intervention. Policy also involves choices between alternatives, because policymakers
have to select a particular course of action from different possibilities.
Public policy has an authoritative character, because it is generally developed or adopted
by persons or institutions with the authority to make decisions. Policy also has
consequences, because its implementation affects individuals, institutions and society and
may produce intended or unintended results.
Policy can therefore be understood as a deliberate course of action adopted by an
authorised institution to achieve particular objectives or respond to a recognised problem.
1.3
Harman (“Conceptual and theoretical issues” 15) groups public policy into four
categories. Kindly discuss the aim and objectives of the public policy for education
in South Africa. (8)
Answer
Public education policy in South Africa aims to establish an education system that is
accessible, equitable, inclusive and consistent with constitutional democracy. Education
policy has also played an important role in transforming the unequal education system
inherited from apartheid.
MAY / JUNE 2026 MEMO
**LCP4809 UPDATED EXAM PACK 2026**
LCP4809 EXAMINATION MAY/JUNE 2026 MEMO
QUESTION 1
1.1
“During the early 1990s South Africa experienced a dramatic change in government:
from a discriminatory minority government to a democratically elected majority
government. Naturally, the new system of constitutional democracy has its
challenges as democracy is a complex concept. At its core is the element rule by the
people or participation of the public in government. Central to this is the notion that
the public must be empowered to participate actively and meaningfully in
governance”.
With the above statement, kindly discuss the concept of “co-operative governance”
and name at least three (3) types of spheres of government in South Africa. (10)
Co-operative governance refers to the constitutional principle that the different spheres of
government must work together in a coordinated manner to promote effective government
and serve the interests of the people. The Constitution does not establish the different
spheres of government as completely separate entities. Instead, they are required to
,cooperate with one another while respecting each sphere’s constitutional powers and
responsibilities.
Section 40(1) of the Constitution provides that government in South Africa consists of the
national, provincial and local spheres of government. These spheres are described as
distinctive, interdependent and interrelated. This means that each sphere has its own
powers and functions, but they must also cooperate when exercising those powers.
Section 41 of the Constitution sets out the principles of co-operative government. The
different spheres must respect the constitutional status, institutions, powers and functions of
government in the other spheres. They must also exercise their powers in a way that does
not encroach on the geographical, functional or institutional integrity of government in
another sphere.
Co-operative governance requires government institutions to communicate and coordinate
their actions. The different spheres should assist and support one another and attempt to
resolve disputes between them. This is particularly important in education because the
national and provincial governments have responsibilities that overlap in the education
sector.
The three spheres of government are the national sphere, the provincial sphere and the
local sphere. National government is responsible for matters requiring national policy,
coordination and legislation. Provincial government is responsible for provincial government
functions and concurrent areas such as education. Local government consists of
municipalities and is responsible for local government matters and municipal services.
Co-operative governance therefore promotes coordination between the three spheres while
ensuring that each sphere respects the constitutional powers and responsibilities of the
others.
1.2
According to Taylor et al (Education policies and the politics of change 23) “policy is
like an elephant: you recognise one when you see it, but it is somewhat difficult to
, define”. Briefly name the elements under the definition of policy outlined by Taylor.
(7)
Answer
Taylor et al identify several elements that assist in understanding the concept of policy.
Policy involves a course of action, meaning that it provides a particular direction or
approach that should be followed. Policy is also purposive, because it is developed with a
particular purpose or objective in mind.
Policy involves decisions concerning what should be done about a particular issue. It
commonly responds to problems or issues that require government or institutional
intervention. Policy also involves choices between alternatives, because policymakers
have to select a particular course of action from different possibilities.
Public policy has an authoritative character, because it is generally developed or adopted
by persons or institutions with the authority to make decisions. Policy also has
consequences, because its implementation affects individuals, institutions and society and
may produce intended or unintended results.
Policy can therefore be understood as a deliberate course of action adopted by an
authorised institution to achieve particular objectives or respond to a recognised problem.
1.3
Harman (“Conceptual and theoretical issues” 15) groups public policy into four
categories. Kindly discuss the aim and objectives of the public policy for education
in South Africa. (8)
Answer
Public education policy in South Africa aims to establish an education system that is
accessible, equitable, inclusive and consistent with constitutional democracy. Education
policy has also played an important role in transforming the unequal education system
inherited from apartheid.
