, 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, citizens hold public officials accountable
through various mechanisms designed to ensure transparency,
responsiveness, and responsibility in governance. These
mechanisms empower citizens to monitor, evaluate, and influence
the actions of their elected representatives and public servants.
Here are several ways this is achieved, with specific examples
from South Africa:
1. Elections
Elections are the cornerstone of democratic accountability,
allowing citizens to choose their representatives and hold them
accountable for their performance. In South Africa, regular
elections at national, provincial, and local levels provide
opportunities for citizens to vote out ineffective or corrupt
officials.
Example: The national elections held every five years enable
citizens to elect members of the National Assembly and the
President. Similarly, municipal elections allow citizens to choose
local government representatives.
2. Judicial System
The judiciary acts as a check on the powers of public officials and
ensures that they adhere to the rule of law. Citizens can approach
the courts to challenge illegal actions or decisions made by public
officials.