1 (S) PLG 1A 2025 Section A Semester 1 UJ Internal Handbook -Introduction to Regional Local Governance Institutions SOW (1)

College Information

  • Institution: University of Johannesburg, College of Business and Economics

  • School: Public Management, Governance and Public Policy

  • Authors: Prof C J Auriacombe (UJ) and Prof G Van der Waldt (NWU)

  • Course Coordinator: Prof CJ Auriacombe

  • Degree: BA (Public Management and Governance)

  • Programme: Public Leadership and Local Governance - First Year

Overview

  • Internal Handbook for Module: PLG1A11 & PLG1AA1

  • First Semester: Section A - Introduction to Regional and Local Governance

  • Purpose of Module: Understanding regional and local governance institutions and their functions

Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Section A of the Module

    • Important outcomes for study

  2. Specific Outcomes of the Themes in Section A

  3. Theme 1: Regional and Local Government

    • Constitutional development

    • Local government structures

  4. Theme 2: Legislative and Executive Institutions

    • Roles and Functions

  5. Theme 3: Public Office Bearers in Local Government

  6. Theme 4: Local Democracy, Public Participation Mechanisms

  7. Theme 5: Local Government and Service Delivery

  8. Theme 6: Developmental Local Government and Planning

  9. Theme 7: Performance Management and Public Accountability

Module Goals

  • Contextualize regional and local government in the South African constitutional system of cooperative governance

  • Explore legislative and executive institutions and their powers

  • Identify roles of public office bearers in local government

  • Highlight local democracy, election processes, and public participation mechanisms

  • Explain local government’s role in service delivery

  • Describe integrated developmental planning and budgeting

  • Explore performance management and accountability issues

Use of Study Guide

  • Read through the guide for an overview of the module

  • Learn content using class materials and discussions

  • Keep outcomes in mind while studying

  • Discuss clarifications with the lecturer

Icons for Learning

  • Self-Assessment Exercise: Complete self-evaluation questions to ensure understanding

  • Take Note!: Special points that are critical to remember

Theme 1: Overview

  • Context of Governance: Distinction between regional and local government

  • Objectives:

    • Understanding the South African governance structure

    • Exploring historical context and changes since the 1980s

Key Concepts in Theme 1

  • Constitutional Development: Significant changes since the 1980s, noting the impact of apartheid and transition to democracy.

  • Local Government Structure: Understanding the three spheres (national, provincial, local) and how they interact

  • Multisphere System of Governance: Distinctive yet interrelated nature of government spheres in South Africa

  • Intergovernmental Relations: Mechanisms for cooperation between different government levels.

Themes as Learning Objectives

  • Theme 1: Constitutional landscape and how it shapes regional and local governance in South Africa

  • Theme 2: Understanding legislative roles and functions in provincial and local government

  • Theme 3: Roles of public office bearers in local governance

  • Theme 4: Importance of local democracy and citizen engagement in governance processes

  • Theme 5: Service delivery challenges and strategies for improvement in municipalities

  • Theme 6: Integrated development planning as a tool for effective governance

  • Theme 7: Performance management in local government and its significance for accountability

Conclusion

  • Understand the interaction between local communities and public management practices within South African governance.

  • Prepare for discussions around public policy and the delivery of services at local levels.