what is government

 

The use of the word government can be confusing as it has many meanings. Sometimes it means the branches of government and sometimes it refers to the sphere of government. Government has the responsibility to make policies and laws about rights and responsibilities of citizens and the delivery of government services. Government collects revenue from taxes and uses this money to provide services and infrastructure that improves the lives of all people in the country, particularly the poor.

 

The branches of government are the following:

 

• Executive (normally called the government in lay people's language). The breakdown of this sphere of government is explained below:

  • National Government -  ANC is the government and this sphere is run by the President and his Cabinet. They are supported administratively by the Director General who heads the various national departments with many officials working under them. 

  • Provincial Government -  ANC governs eight (8) provinces and the DA governs one (1) province. The Premier and the Executive Council form the Executive (normally called the government). They are supported administratively by the Heads of Department and many officials working under them.

  • Local Government -  ANC  governs most municipalities, the DA a good number that it governs. There are also a number of coalitions at local government. The Council is led by Mayors and Mayoral Committes with the support of Municipal Managers, Head of Departments and staff.

• Legislature:
  • Parliament-   This consists of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. Laws and policies are approved by Parliament. The ANC has most members followed by the DA, then the EFF and other smaller parties. 
  • Legislature -  There are nine (9) Provincial Legistlatures that are made up of between 30 and 90 members of the Provincial Legislature.
  • Council - This is made of elected members who approve policies and by-laws for the municipality. They also decide on the development plans and service delivery for their municipality area. 
• Judiciary:  This refers to the courts whose role is to adjudicate legal matters and guarantees the supremacy of the Constitution. The Judiciary is independent so that it can protect citizens without being influenced or pressurized by the Executive and its independence is the cornerstone of a constitutional democracy.

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