CPD1501
Assignment 2
Unique No:
Due 17 September 2025
, CPD1501
Assignment 2
Citizenship, Public Participation and Democracy
QUESTION 1 – Analyse a recent event or policy in South Africa where public
participation played a key role in shaping democratic outcomes. (15 marks)
Event: The public participation process around the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill.
Background:
The NHI Bill aims to establish a single publicly funded National Health Insurance Fund
to provide universal access to healthcare services. It seeks to address inequalities
between the public and private healthcare sectors. The Bill was debated in Parliament
over several years and signed into law in 2024 after extensive public participation.
Forms of Public Participation Used:
1. Parliamentary public hearings: Committees of both the National Assembly and
the National Council of Provinces held hearings across all nine provinces,
allowing individuals, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and industry
representatives to present their views.
2. Written submissions: Citizens and organisations submitted thousands of
written comments providing support, criticism, and suggestions for improvement.
3. Civil society campaigns: Groups such as health NGOs, trade unions, and
advocacy coalitions organised awareness drives, petitions, and policy briefs to
influence decision-making.
4. Media and public debates: The Bill was widely discussed in print, broadcast,
and online media, allowing broader public engagement and scrutiny.
5. Protests and demonstrations: Both supporters and opponents organised
marches and pickets to express their stance on the Bill.
Impact of Participation:
Assignment 2
Unique No:
Due 17 September 2025
, CPD1501
Assignment 2
Citizenship, Public Participation and Democracy
QUESTION 1 – Analyse a recent event or policy in South Africa where public
participation played a key role in shaping democratic outcomes. (15 marks)
Event: The public participation process around the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill.
Background:
The NHI Bill aims to establish a single publicly funded National Health Insurance Fund
to provide universal access to healthcare services. It seeks to address inequalities
between the public and private healthcare sectors. The Bill was debated in Parliament
over several years and signed into law in 2024 after extensive public participation.
Forms of Public Participation Used:
1. Parliamentary public hearings: Committees of both the National Assembly and
the National Council of Provinces held hearings across all nine provinces,
allowing individuals, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and industry
representatives to present their views.
2. Written submissions: Citizens and organisations submitted thousands of
written comments providing support, criticism, and suggestions for improvement.
3. Civil society campaigns: Groups such as health NGOs, trade unions, and
advocacy coalitions organised awareness drives, petitions, and policy briefs to
influence decision-making.
4. Media and public debates: The Bill was widely discussed in print, broadcast,
and online media, allowing broader public engagement and scrutiny.
5. Protests and demonstrations: Both supporters and opponents organised
marches and pickets to express their stance on the Bill.
Impact of Participation:
