Assignment 1 (Semester 2)
DUE 13 August 2025
The Role of Co-operative Government in the South African Education System
Chapter 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, establishes the
principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations. It provides that
the three spheres of government (national, provincial, and local) are distinctive,
interdependent, and interrelated. The Chapter sets out the framework for co-operation
between these spheres and the organs of state within each sphere, and prescribes
mechanisms for resolving conflicts and uncertainties. In the education sector, this
constitutional framework is essential because education is a concurrent function,
requiring continuous coordination between the national, provincial, and local spheres of
government to ensure the realisation of the right to basic education in section 29 of the
Constitution.
Constitutional and Legislative Framework
The Constitution provides the foundational principles for co-operative governance.
National government is tasked with setting policy and minimum standards, while
provinces bear the primary responsibility for implementing education services. Local
government contributes through infrastructure provision, service delivery, and support
where applicable. The Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 of 2005 (IRFA)
operationalises these constitutional ideals by establishing forums, procedures, and
dispute-resolution mechanisms to facilitate coordination, planning, and communication
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