CPD1501
ASSIGNMENT 2 2024
Question 1
How can citizens hold public officials accountable in a democratic society?
Provide examples of accountability mechanisms in South Africa.
According to democratic principles, citizens in a democratic society can hold public
officials accountable through various mechanisms. These mechanisms are designed
to ensure that government officials act in the best interest of the public and are
responsible for their actions. Here are some examples of accountability mechanisms
in South Africa:
, CPD1501
ASSIGNMENT 2 2024
Question 1
How can citizens hold public officials accountable in a democratic society?
Provide examples of accountability mechanisms in South Africa.
According to democratic principles, citizens in a democratic society can hold public
officials accountable through various mechanisms. These mechanisms are designed
to ensure that government officials act in the best interest of the public and are
responsible for their actions. Here are some examples of accountability mechanisms
in South Africa:
1. Regular Elections
One of the fundamental ways citizens hold public officials accountable is through free
and regular elections. In South Africa, elections are held every five years, allowing
citizens to choose their representatives at national, provincial, and local levels.
Elections provide a direct way for citizens to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction
with the performance of public officials and political parties.
2. Parliamentary Committees
South Africa’s Parliament has established various committees to oversee the work of
the government. These committees scrutinize legislation, monitor government
activities, and interact with civil society and other stakeholders. They provide a platform
for detailed examination of government policies and actions, ensuring transparency
and accountability. Examples include:
Standing Committees: Permanent committees that focus on specific areas, such as
finance, health, or education.
Ad Hoc Committees: Temporary committees formed to address specific issues or
investigations.
Portfolio Committees: These oversee specific government departments, reviewing
legislation and departmental performance.
3. Public Hearings and Submissions
Committees often hold public hearings where citizens, experts, and interest groups can
provide input on legislation or government policies. This process allows for diverse
ASSIGNMENT 2 2024
Question 1
How can citizens hold public officials accountable in a democratic society?
Provide examples of accountability mechanisms in South Africa.
According to democratic principles, citizens in a democratic society can hold public
officials accountable through various mechanisms. These mechanisms are designed
to ensure that government officials act in the best interest of the public and are
responsible for their actions. Here are some examples of accountability mechanisms
in South Africa:
, CPD1501
ASSIGNMENT 2 2024
Question 1
How can citizens hold public officials accountable in a democratic society?
Provide examples of accountability mechanisms in South Africa.
According to democratic principles, citizens in a democratic society can hold public
officials accountable through various mechanisms. These mechanisms are designed
to ensure that government officials act in the best interest of the public and are
responsible for their actions. Here are some examples of accountability mechanisms
in South Africa:
1. Regular Elections
One of the fundamental ways citizens hold public officials accountable is through free
and regular elections. In South Africa, elections are held every five years, allowing
citizens to choose their representatives at national, provincial, and local levels.
Elections provide a direct way for citizens to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction
with the performance of public officials and political parties.
2. Parliamentary Committees
South Africa’s Parliament has established various committees to oversee the work of
the government. These committees scrutinize legislation, monitor government
activities, and interact with civil society and other stakeholders. They provide a platform
for detailed examination of government policies and actions, ensuring transparency
and accountability. Examples include:
Standing Committees: Permanent committees that focus on specific areas, such as
finance, health, or education.
Ad Hoc Committees: Temporary committees formed to address specific issues or
investigations.
Portfolio Committees: These oversee specific government departments, reviewing
legislation and departmental performance.
3. Public Hearings and Submissions
Committees often hold public hearings where citizens, experts, and interest groups can
provide input on legislation or government policies. This process allows for diverse
