Co-operative sustainable service delivery and democratic development

The Public Administration and Management Bill or the so-called Single Public Service Bill was introduced into parliament in 2008. The Bill will have far-reaching consequences and implications for provincial and local government, and is deemed to be controversial, since it erodes the autonomy of local government, as provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act of 1996. Furthermore, institutions and actions of national, provincial and local government will change dramatically as both spheres will be regarded as one from a practical service delivery perspective. The national government has continuously expressed its concern at the slow-paced provision of essential and emergency services in a sustainable manner to all communities, whilst delivering the social and economic development agenda. Furthermore, the previous National Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Geraldine FraserMoleketi, argued that a developmental state requires a strong centre, which is an important vehicle to defeat poverty within the concept of co-operative governance. This article questions the motivation and desired intention of the above national department to introduce this Bill. The motivation is premised on three tenets, namely eradication of poverty, under-development and improved co-ordination and integration. The article also explores implications for local government and questions the assumption of the national government that no development and performance has taken place