The relationship between public administration and good governance : the case of South Africa

Abstract

The article will demonstrate the relationship between public administration and
 good governance with special reference to South Africa. It begins with a conceptual
 analysis of public administration through a periodisation from its roots and historical
 development and its meaning and functions in the era of rampant globalisation
 as well as the repercussions of systemic and structural changes associated with
 changes. The conceptual definition and understanding of good governance follows,
 accompanied by an exposition of international debates on meanings, application,
 implementation and planning of good governance indicators and the relationship
 between theory and practice in its analysis world-wide. The examination of the
 approaches, comprehensive legislation, rules and regulations underlining the South
 African government’s efforts to enhance good, transparent, and corruption free
 governance are outlined. A brief outline of a process followed in state institutions
 and entities is proposed that concludes that without firm and innovative leadership
 and key ingredients and efforts to install and maintain transparent, accountable
 and corruption-free financial and human resources imperatives cannot lead to
 developmental service delivery to communities. The article concludes that financial
 viability is the key foundation of good governance performance of an entity. Without
 it, there is mismanagement of resources, which in most instances, is the result of
 weak human resources and financial management, political interference and the
 lack of a clear mission and leadership.