Governance and Public Administration

Situation at the outset

Since the end of apartheid and the dawn of the new South Africa in 1994, the country has become a leading example for a peaceful transition from a minority-ruled system to a stable democracy. However, South Africa still faces the consequences of racial segregation and social exclusion, struggling with extreme levels of inequality, unemployment, rural-urban migration and crime. Enormous disparities in terms of service delivery and living standards especially affect the population residing in townships and rural areas. Disrupted family structures, poor living conditions in the townships and a lack of perspective (approx. 40% of the young people in the townships are unemployed) are critical factors contributing to violence and high crime rates.

Making available and implementing public services to the citizens still lags behind the ambitious goals of the government and the expectations of the population. The reasons are manifold; the quality of public administration of South Africa is one of them. The public service, after the end of apartheid in 1994, is still in the middle of a far-reaching transformation process towards a “capable and developmental state”. Particular challenges are the fragmented responsibilities, professionalism in public service at all levels and accountability. Despite major efforts to promote sustainable, efficient and effective municipalities, the local governments in South Africa still face enormous challenges in terms of fulfilling their roles for the citizens. Lack of capacity is a key challenge at all levels of government and public servants must “practise” how to deal with new responsibilities and demands as well as a democracy based on participation of its citizens.

The citizens’ growing discontent with backlogs in service delivery, the deficits in public management, a lack of coordination between different actors, and corruption has led to protests and a declining trust in politics, administration and democracy.

Strengthening and promoting “good governance” is, consequently, an essential prerequisite for sustainable development, combating poverty and social inequity in South Africa. Thus, reforming the public service, improving intergovernmental relations, enhancing the performance of municipalities and provinces, particularly in financial management, achieving greater citizen participation and strengthening local democracy, reinforcing administrative justice, implementing anti-corruption measures, and preventing crime and violence are key areas of support for the German development cooperation in South Africa. Read More …