Government in South Africa

The South African Constitution of 1996 created a government structure with three distinct, yet inter-dependent spheres:  the national, provincial and local spheres of government.  

• The National Sphere
  The national sphere of government is responsible for several functions that affect the country as a whole and/or require uniformity.  National government's responsibilities include, among other things, safety and security, foreign affairs, defence and home affairs.  The national sphere also develops policies that guide service delivery in the other two spheres. For example, broad education policies – such as the school curriculum and school admissions age – are developed at national level for implementation at provincial level. 
  
  National government monitors and supports the implementation of these policies.  It also has the duty to deal with issues arising between provinces.

• The Provincial Sphere
  The provincial sphere of government has the primary responsibility for social service delivery.  As such, provincial governments plan, budget for and implement programmes aimed at delivering a broad range of services directly to people.   These include, for example, the provision of health services, education, housing and social development. 
  
  Provincial governments also develop policy on issues where there are regional differences.

• The Local Sphere
  The local sphere of government is responsible for the delivery of basic services, such as water and sanitation services and electricity.  Local governments are also responsible for a variety of municipal functions, some of which are shared with provincial government.  These typically include municipal planning, building regulations, municipal public transport, local tourism, the regulation of harbours and airports, fire-fighting services, amongst others.

These three spheres are subject to the principles of co-operative government and inter-governmental relations, as set out in the Constitution. All have legislative and executive authority in their own spheres, and are defined in the Constitution as “distinctive, interdependent and interrelated”. Operating at both national and provincial levels are advisory bodies drawn from South Africa’s traditional leaders.

Information sourced from:  www.idasa.org.za and  www.southafrica.info/ess_info/sa_glance/