PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION LAWS GENERAL AMENDMENT BILL 1. About the Institute for Global Dialogue The Institute for Global Dialogue is an independent foreign policy think tank based in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa. It advances a balanced,
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Presentation Transcript
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION LAWS GENERAL AMENDMENT BILL<br>
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1. About the Institute for Global Dialogue The Institute for Global Dialogue is an independent foreign policy think tank based in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa. It advances a balanced, relevant and policy-oriented analysis, debate and documentation of South Africa and Africa’s global politics and diplomacy. It strives to promote a broader understanding of the role of foreign policy and diplomacy in the pursuit of national and international development goals.
Programmatic Areas:
Foreign Policy Analysis
Geopolitical Dynamics and Governance
International Diplomacy
Latin America and the Caribbean<br>
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2. South Africa in the World: What Role for the Public Administration?
Understanding the relationship between the strength of South Africa’s public administration and the country’s place in Africa and the world
While there is a growing consensus across party lines emerging of the need for a professional public service, it is important that this is translated into meaningful and far-reaching actions, especially in an increasingly competitive political environment nationally, provincially, and at the level of local government.
Drawing lessons from the recently concluded Commission of Inquiry on Allegations of State Capture, which has impacted South Africa’s place in the world and perceptions towards the country
While discussions about a developmental state have been fairly consistent in the past two decades, absent from this has been a clear focus on the accompanying apparatus and capacity needed to drive development at all levels of government. Good policy may be necessary, but it is not sufficient to drive the process of development.<br>
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3. Towards a capable and professional state?
Various outward and inward looking measures have been underway in recent years with the aim of strengthening the capacity of the South African state
In the realm of International Relations, the Foreign Service Act 26 of 2019 aims to:
to provide for the management, administration, accountability, and functioning of a professional Foreign Service of the Republic of South Africa;
to provide for the operational requirements that are suitable and supportive of the operations of the Foreign Service in a global environment;
While the recently released Framework Document on SA’s National Interest and Its Advancement in a Global Environment seeks to define the principles and values that guide the country’s interaction with the rest of the world, it became clear during its launch that a professional public service was fundamental to positioning the country favorably in a changing international landscape<br>
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Municipal Structures Amendment Act 3 of 2021 prohibits all municipal officials from holding political office and also empowers MECs to take appropriate steps, which includes the application of declaratory orders on the validity of appointments to enforce compliance.
Restrictions towards those holding political office is also outlined in the Public Administration Laws General Amendment Bill
The Political Party Funding Act (6 of 2018), provides legislation for three key areas, namely:
The annual disbursement of public money to political parties represented in national and provincial legislatures through the Represented Political Parties Fund (RPPF) (It repeals the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, 103 of 1997).
The establishment of a new Multiparty Democracy Fund (MPDF) which will accept private donations and disburse these to political parties represented in national and provincial legislatures.
The regulation of private funding (donations) to political parties, including requiring the disclosure of all donations above R100 000 by political parties and their donors, and imposing certain restrictions on the source and use of such donations.<br>
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4. The Role of Public Institutions in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Effective, accountable and inclusive institutions are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is recognized by SDG 16 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which focuses on ‘peace, justice , and strong institutions.’
All efforts to strengthen South Africa’s public administration should thus be seen in this context as they ultimately enhance our own efforts to realise the aims of our Constitutional order, supported by the Bill of Rights which enshrines the right to development. They also ensure that South Africa is better able to contribute to the provision of global public goods and meet its international obligations through the SDGs.
United Nation Department of Economic and Social Affairs Public Institutions - ‘Reinventing public administration is a positive and necessary way forward. Without public administration modernization and transformation to adapt to today’s needs, realizing a better future for all will be impossible. Where capable administrations are lacking, governments are incapacitated; and where governments are incapacitated, sustainable development falls short.’<br>
