Local Governance Flashcards
Local Governance in a policy context - SOFPT
SYSTEM of government closest to the people,
OPERATES at the municipal level to address local needs, deliver basic services, and engage with communities
local government is often the FIRST point of contact between citizens and government, as it is the closest level of government to the people
Government POLICIES are more effectively implemented on the local sphere of government.
local government can TAILOR policies to specific community needs due to its closeness to the people.
Government vs Governance - SFID
The SHIFT from “government” to “governance” is crucial in understanding modern public administration
“government” refers to the FORMAL institutions that make and enforce laws,
“governance” encompasses the INTERACTION between the government, civil society, and private sector to manage society
Governance includes DECISION-making processes and the relationships among various stakeholders
GOVERNANCE ACTORS - SAFPJECRI
- The STATE
> has AUTHORITY to make and enforce rules and set regulations
> FACILITATES development by gauging the needs of society and creating structures for policy implementation.
- The PRIVATE sector
> plays a significant role in generating JOBS and income, contributing to economic governance by managing the production of goods and services
> drives ECONOMIC growth and development, providing the necessary resources for societal well-being.
> The relationship between the state and the private sector in governance is often one of interdependence, where governments create an enabling environment (through regulations and incentives) that allows businesses to thrive, while the private sector delivers essential services and contributes to the overall development of the economy.
- CIVIL Society
advocates RIGHTS of citizens , ensuring public participation, and holding the government accountable.
represents INTERETS of community and ensures that governance processes remain inclusive and responsive to the needs of all societal groups.
> Civil society consists of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), advocacy groups, social movements, and community organizations that facilitate social and political interaction.
DIMENSIONS OF GOVERNANCE - PEEMSB
- POLITICAL governance
> The EXTENT to which citizens participate in decision making processes
> ensures that societal goals are met through democratic mechanisms, respect for human rights, and the rule of law
- ECONOMIC Governance
> Economic governance relates to the MANAGEMENT of national and international economic activities.
> Economic governance is concerned with fostering economic growth, maintaining stability, and ensuring that resources are marshaled effectively to promote sustainable development.
- SOCIAL Governance
> involves the BELIEFS, norms and values that shape how society functions, including how individuals and groups interact, form communities, and address societal challenges
Good governance
Refers to achieving policies that lead to societal development by a democratic government while also ensuring that these developments are sustainable.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE - PRRATE
Participation - ensures that all citizens have the opportunities to engage in governance processes,
Rule of law - everyone is subject to the same rules and standards
Responsiveness - The government should be responsive to the needs and concerns of the public
Accountability - ensure that officials are answerable for their actions.
Transparency - requires that the enforcement of decisions follow established rules and regulations, and that information is freely available to those affected by such decisions
Effectiveness and Efficiency - Using resources to meet the needs of society
Challenges hampering good governance
Capacity and Resource Constraints: Many South African municipalities suffer from a lack of financial and human resources.
Municipalities often lack the skilled personnel necessary to implement policies effectively, and financial mismanagement is a recurring issue.
This limits the ability of local governments to meet the demands of the communities they serve
Corruption: there is widespread corruption in local government, which undermines accountability and erodes public trust in local governance
