This page continues the Democracy and Human Rights section of the Grade 11 Life Orientation Term 1 syllabus. Following our study of the petition process, we now examine how a country is managed and what constitutes “good” leadership.
The Meaning of Governance
In Life Orientation Grade 11, we explore how the systems of power in South Africa operate to protect the rights of its citizens. Understanding governance is essential for every young person who wants to ensure their well-being is prioritized by the state.
1. What is Governance?
Governance is the way that a country, city, company, or organization is controlled or managed by the people who run it. It refers to the rules, processes, and behavior by which interests are articulated and resources are managed.
Co-operative Governance
The South African Constitution states that the country must be run on a system of co-operative governance. This means:
- Levels of Government: Various levels (National, Provincial, and Local) must work together rather than in competition.
- Citizen Participation: Citizens are legally allowed to have a say in policy-making and how services are delivered to their communities.
2. Characteristics of Good Governance
For a democracy to flourish, the government must adhere to specific standards. According to the Grade 11 LO curriculum, good governance includes the following:
- Participation: It allows people to be involved in decisions and keeps the public informed.
- Transparency: It provides information that is clear, complete, and easily accessible to everyone.
- Service Delivery: It successfully delivers basic human rights, such as health, adequate housing, sufficient food, and quality education.
- Efficiency and Effectiveness: It uses resources wisely to produce results in a reasonable timeframe.
- Accountability: It takes full responsibility for its actions and decisions.
- Protection: It ensures social justice, personal security, and protects the environment for future generations.
3. Why Governance Matters to You
Good governance directly affects your future. It ensures that the Constitutional values you have learned about are actually put into practice.
- If governance is transparent, you can see how school funds are spent.
- If governance is accountable, you can use the petition process to demand better services.
Activity: Evaluating Governance
- Define: In your own words, explain the term “co-operative governance.”
- Analyze: Choose three characteristics of good governance (e.g., transparency, efficiency, and accountability). Explain how each one could improve your local school or community.
- Reflect: Why is “protecting the environment” considered a part of good governance? How does this link to your personal values?
Next Lesson: How laws are created in a democratic society: The Law-Making Process in South Africa.
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