PUB1601
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 26 SEPTEMBER 2025
, The Structuring and Functioning of Public Services
Introduction
The management of public services in South Africa is a complex process that requires
coordination between multiple stakeholders to ensure that the constitutional mandate of
delivering services to citizens is fulfilled. According to section 195 of the Constitution of
the Republic of South Africa, 1996, public administration must be governed by values
such as accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and efficiency. These values are
realised through the actions of various role players, including political office bearers,
public servants, and oversight bodies. Each of these parties has distinct but
complementary responsibilities in ensuring that services are delivered effectively and in
the best interests of the public. This essay describes the responsibilities of these three
parties, using the Department of Basic Education (DBE) as an illustrative example,
instead of the Department of Health, which is commonly used in study materials.
Political Office Bearers (Executive Authorities)
Political office bearers such as the Minister and Deputy Minister of Basic Education play
a fundamental role in setting the policy agenda and providing strategic direction for the
department. Their responsibilities extend beyond ceremonial duties; they are the
ultimate decision-makers in shaping the policies that influence the educational
landscape.
One of their most critical functions is the formulation of policy. For example, the
Minister of Basic Education has been instrumental in developing and refining the
Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), which standardises the
curriculum across all schools in South Africa to ensure that learners receive equitable
and quality education (Department of Basic Education [DBE], 2020). This role ensures
that education policies are not fragmented but are aligned with national development
goals such as the National Development Plan (NDP).
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 26 SEPTEMBER 2025
, The Structuring and Functioning of Public Services
Introduction
The management of public services in South Africa is a complex process that requires
coordination between multiple stakeholders to ensure that the constitutional mandate of
delivering services to citizens is fulfilled. According to section 195 of the Constitution of
the Republic of South Africa, 1996, public administration must be governed by values
such as accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and efficiency. These values are
realised through the actions of various role players, including political office bearers,
public servants, and oversight bodies. Each of these parties has distinct but
complementary responsibilities in ensuring that services are delivered effectively and in
the best interests of the public. This essay describes the responsibilities of these three
parties, using the Department of Basic Education (DBE) as an illustrative example,
instead of the Department of Health, which is commonly used in study materials.
Political Office Bearers (Executive Authorities)
Political office bearers such as the Minister and Deputy Minister of Basic Education play
a fundamental role in setting the policy agenda and providing strategic direction for the
department. Their responsibilities extend beyond ceremonial duties; they are the
ultimate decision-makers in shaping the policies that influence the educational
landscape.
One of their most critical functions is the formulation of policy. For example, the
Minister of Basic Education has been instrumental in developing and refining the
Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), which standardises the
curriculum across all schools in South Africa to ensure that learners receive equitable
and quality education (Department of Basic Education [DBE], 2020). This role ensures
that education policies are not fragmented but are aligned with national development
goals such as the National Development Plan (NDP).
