, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
The goals of this assignment are to provide you with a critical understanding of:
How policies and legislation, including social welfare policies, are developed in South Africa
A framework to analyse and improve social welfare policies and
The role of the social worker as a policy implementer and advocate. Use your prescribed
book and two other academic sources.
Assignment Introduction
Social welfare policy lies at the heart of effective social work practice, shaping the scope, direction,
and impact of interventions at both individual and societal levels. In South Africa, where historical
injustices and contemporary inequalities intersect, the social work profession plays a crucial role in
bridging policy and practice. This assignment explores the relationship between social work and
social policy through three interrelated discussion. The first discussion critically analyses how a
policy analyst can assess and improve a social welfare policy using frameworks like the 7-C Protocol.
The second discussion examines the interplay between Parliament and civil society in shaping policy,
assessing how their interaction affects social work efficiency and effectiveness. The third discussion
investigates the dual role of social workers as policy implementers and advocates, arguing for the
transformative power of advocacy in addressing systemic issues. Together, these discussion highlight
the importance of policy literacy, civic engagement, and ethical commitment in social work, and
underscore the profession’s essential role in promoting justice, development, and human rights in
South Africa.
Question 1
1. Describe the role of parliament and civil society in the formulation of policies and legislation.
Do you think this is an efficient process? Motivate your answer.
The Interplay of Parliament and Civil Society in South African Policy Formulation: An
Examination of Efficiency and Implications for Social Work
In the intricate tapestry of a democratic state, the formulation of policies and legislation serves as a
crucial mechanism through which societal needs are translated into tangible frameworks for
governance and social well-being. South Africa, with its complex history and commitment to
participatory democracy, illustrates this process through the distinct yet interconnected roles of
Parliament and its vibrant civil society. This discussion explores how Parliament and civil society
contribute to policy formulation, particularly in the context of social welfare. It critically assesses the
efficiency of this collaborative process and discusses the implications for social workers, who act as
both policy implementers and advocates.
The Legislative Role of Parliament in Policy Formulation
Parliament is constitutionally mandated as the primary legislative authority in South Africa,
comprising the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. It is responsible for
initiating, debating, amending, and enacting legislation. This process often begins with the
introduction of a bill, usually driven by the executive’s policy agenda or a Member of Parliament’s
proposal. Each bill passes through various stages of deliberation, including committee hearings that
invite public participation and expert testimony (Complexities of the oversight role of legislatures,
2025).
Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
The goals of this assignment are to provide you with a critical understanding of:
How policies and legislation, including social welfare policies, are developed in South Africa
A framework to analyse and improve social welfare policies and
The role of the social worker as a policy implementer and advocate. Use your prescribed
book and two other academic sources.
Assignment Introduction
Social welfare policy lies at the heart of effective social work practice, shaping the scope, direction,
and impact of interventions at both individual and societal levels. In South Africa, where historical
injustices and contemporary inequalities intersect, the social work profession plays a crucial role in
bridging policy and practice. This assignment explores the relationship between social work and
social policy through three interrelated discussion. The first discussion critically analyses how a
policy analyst can assess and improve a social welfare policy using frameworks like the 7-C Protocol.
The second discussion examines the interplay between Parliament and civil society in shaping policy,
assessing how their interaction affects social work efficiency and effectiveness. The third discussion
investigates the dual role of social workers as policy implementers and advocates, arguing for the
transformative power of advocacy in addressing systemic issues. Together, these discussion highlight
the importance of policy literacy, civic engagement, and ethical commitment in social work, and
underscore the profession’s essential role in promoting justice, development, and human rights in
South Africa.
Question 1
1. Describe the role of parliament and civil society in the formulation of policies and legislation.
Do you think this is an efficient process? Motivate your answer.
The Interplay of Parliament and Civil Society in South African Policy Formulation: An
Examination of Efficiency and Implications for Social Work
In the intricate tapestry of a democratic state, the formulation of policies and legislation serves as a
crucial mechanism through which societal needs are translated into tangible frameworks for
governance and social well-being. South Africa, with its complex history and commitment to
participatory democracy, illustrates this process through the distinct yet interconnected roles of
Parliament and its vibrant civil society. This discussion explores how Parliament and civil society
contribute to policy formulation, particularly in the context of social welfare. It critically assesses the
efficiency of this collaborative process and discusses the implications for social workers, who act as
both policy implementers and advocates.
The Legislative Role of Parliament in Policy Formulation
Parliament is constitutionally mandated as the primary legislative authority in South Africa,
comprising the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. It is responsible for
initiating, debating, amending, and enacting legislation. This process often begins with the
introduction of a bill, usually driven by the executive’s policy agenda or a Member of Parliament’s
proposal. Each bill passes through various stages of deliberation, including committee hearings that
invite public participation and expert testimony (Complexities of the oversight role of legislatures,
2025).
