The Role of Civil Society in Promoting Good Governance in the Republic of South Africa
| Date | 01 September 2004 |
| Author | Mutuwafhethu John Mafunisa |
| DOI | 10.1177/0020852304046203 |
| Published date | 01 September 2004 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
The role of civil society in promoting good governance in the
Republic of South Africa
Mutuwafhethu John Mafunisa
Abstract
Ineffective governance and lack of effective service delivery features prominently
as crises of governance in Africa. Democratic political and governmental institu-
tions could play a role in reducing such social factors as a high rate of illiteracy
and poverty. This, however, is only possible if ‘the rule of law’ prevails and if civil
society is allowed to participate in a political, social and economic sense. This
article looks at the role of civil society in promoting good governance in South
Africa. The article argues that good governance is a cornerstone of reconstruction
and sustainable development. The provisions of the Constitution of the Republic
of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) and the Reconstruction and Development
Programme (RDP) form the foundation for the involvement of civil society in issues
of governance. An assessment of the effectiveness of these policies and pro-
grammes is made.
Introduction
Corruption, disease, a high rate of illiteracy and a lack of effective service delivery
feature prominently as crises of governance in Africa. Governance includes the exer-
cise of political power for directing and regulating socioeconomic affairs. Democratic
political and governmental institutions could play a role in reducing such social factors
as a high rate of illiteracy, crime, disease and poverty. This, however, is only possible
if the ‘rule of law’ prevails and if civil society is allowed to participate in a political,
economic, social and cultural sense.
With this information in mind, this article will look at the role of civil society in
promoting good governance in Africa, with specific reference to the Republic of
South Africa (hereinafter referred to as South Africa). The article argues that good
Mutuwafhethu John Mafunisa is in the Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South
Africa.
Copyright © 2004 IIAS, SAGE Publications (London, Thousand Oaks, CA and New Delhi)
Vol 70(3):489–496 [DOI:10.1177/0020852304046203]
International
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