, PD1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2024 (623079) -
DUE 2 September 2024
Question 1 How can citizens hold public officials accountable in a democratic
society? Provide examples of accountability mechanisms in South Africa. (25)
In a democratic society like South Africa, citizens can hold public officials accountable through
various mechanisms:
1. Elections: Citizens can vote out officials who do not meet their expectations during
elections. This serves as a direct accountability mechanism where officials are held
responsible for their actions or policies.
2. Political Parties: Political parties play a crucial role in accountability by monitoring the
actions of their representatives and holding them accountable internally. This includes
mechanisms like party disciplinary procedures.
3. Civil Society Organizations: NGOs, advocacy groups, and watchdog organizations can
monitor government actions, expose corruption or malpractice, and advocate for
transparency and accountability.
4. Media: Independent media outlets play a vital role in informing the public about the
actions of public officials. Investigative journalism can uncover wrongdoing and hold
officials accountable through public exposure.
5. Judiciary: Courts can adjudicate cases of corruption or abuse of power, ensuring that
officials are held legally accountable for their actions.
6. Ombudsman: A national or regional ombudsman can investigate complaints from
citizens regarding administrative injustices or maladministration by public officials.
7. Public Participation: Mechanisms such as public consultations, town hall meetings, and
citizen feedback forums allow ordinary citizens to voice concerns directly to officials and
hold them accountable for their decisions.
In South Africa, specific examples of accountability mechanisms include:
Chapter 9 Institutions: Institutions like the Public Protector, Auditor-General, and
Human Rights Commission are mandated to ensure accountability and protect
constitutional democracy.
Parliamentary Oversight: Parliamentary committees scrutinize government actions and
policies, holding public hearings and conducting inquiries into matters of public interest.
Judicial Review: The Constitutional Court has the authority to review the
constitutionality of laws and actions taken by public officials, ensuring compliance with
the constitution.
Independent Electoral Commission (IEC): Manages elections to ensure they are free
and fair, providing citizens with the opportunity to hold officials accountable through
regular elections.
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