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Principles-Processes-and-Procedures-for-Democratic-Participation WEEK 8

Procedures for democracy LO

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
29 views5 pages

Principles-Processes-and-Procedures-for-Democratic-Participation WEEK 8

Procedures for democracy LO

Uploaded by

Ameera
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Principles, Processes,

and Procedures for


Democratic
Participation
South Africa is a participatory democracy and where legislation is passed
without facilitating public participation, especially by those members of the
public most affected, the law is invalid. Public participation in government is
very important and necessary to make sure that you can influence decisions
made by the government that will impact your life.

JHB CENTRAL LO SES: Zanele Molao


Researching Democratic Structures
National
is the legislative authority of South Africa and has the power to make laws for the
country, in accordance with the Constitution. It consists of the National Assembly (NA)
and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). Parliamentary sittings are open to the
public.
The role of Parliament, as the representative of the people, is to promote and oversee
adherence to the values of human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, and all
other rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights, and to oversee the implementation of
constitutional imperatives. Through legislative and other measures, Parliament also
ensures that the independence, impartiality, accessibility and effectiveness of the
Judiciary and other State institutions is upheld.

The mandate of Parliament is based on the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Constitution,


which establishes Parliament and sets out the functions it performs. Parliament is
elected to represent the people, ensure government by the people under the
Constitution, and represent the interests of provinces in the national sphere of
government.
Researching Democratic Structures
Provincial
Provinces are responsible for social services like education, health and social
development; economic functions like agriculture and roads; and provincial
governance and administration which include the legislature, provincial treasury,
local government and human settlements.

Provincial plays critical and complementary roles in eliminating poverty and


reducing inequality.

Besides being able to make provincial laws, a provincial legislature may adopt a
constitution for its province if two thirds of its members agree.

A provincial constitution must correspond with the national Constitution. These


powers can be exercised to the extent that provinces have the administrative
capacity to assume effective responsibilities.
Researching Democratic Structures
Local
Focused on growing local economies and providing infrastructure and service.

Aims to build and strengthen the capability and accountability of provinces and
municipalities. This includes:

-continued hands-on support through the established system and capacity building
programme, focusing on critical areas such as integrated development planning, local
economic development (LED), financial management, service delivery and public
participation;

-evaluating the impact of government programmes in municipal areas, enhancing


performance and accountability by improving the quality of reporting on the Local
Government Strategic Agenda and improving the monitoring, reporting and evaluation
of capacity in local government; and

• coordinating and supporting policy development, implementing the Local


Government Strategic Agenda, and monitoring and supporting service delivery.
Principles and Functions of Structures

1 Constitutions 2 Elections
Constitutions form the foundation of Elections play a pivotal role in
democratic structures, guiding democratic processes, ensuring
governance and safeguarding citizen representation and expression of public
rights. will.

3 Representation of 4 Lobbying Advocacy


Constituencies
Lobbying and advocacy are key tools for
Ensuring fair representation of diverse civil society to influence democratic
constituencies is essential for upholding decision-making processes.
democratic values.

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