Policy-making vs implementation in South Africa: Challenges and justice-based solutions

Abstract

The complications that arise during policy implementation frequently stand in stark contrast to the principles of simplicity in policy formation within public administration. This gap stems from the distinctions between the practical difficulties of implementing a policy, such as unexpected variables, stakeholder resistance, and resource restrictions, and the conceptual clarity, broad goals, and explicit directions involved in its formulation. South Africa has introduced many promising policies to address socio-economic inequalities, boost economic growth, and improve public services. However, despite strong policy frameworks, the country often struggles to implement these policies effectively. This paper seeks to explore the challenges associated with policy implementation in the South African government. In addressing these difficulties, a qualitative method was employed, wherein case studies related to policy implementation failures in South Africa were unpacked and discussed as points of reference. There are significant challenges regarding policy implementation in South Africa. For the basis of this study, justice theory is applicable. There is also a strong tendency for political involvement in policy implementation, as party members are awarded tenders and contracts to implement various programs for stated policies; as a result, these policies often fail. This paper proposes the use of the 7-C protocol as a tool for monitoring policy implementation and limiting political interference. The distinctiveness of the 7-C Protocol in the policy setting lies in its ability to reconcile communication efficiency with public accountability.

Authors & affiliations

Khutso Delphus Maela
Affiliation not supplied

Deposited references

Supplied references, not a list of publications citing this article.

Brynard, P. (2000). Policy implementation. Improving public policy. Pretoria: Van Schaik Publishers.

Brynard, P. (2005). Policy implementation: Lessons for service delivery. Paper presented at the 27th AAPAM Annual Roundtable Conference, Livingstone, Zambia.

Brynard, P. A., Cloete, F., & De Coning, C. (2011). Policy implementation. In F. Cloete & C. De Coning (Eds.), Improving public policy: Theory, practice, and results (3rd ed.). Pretoria: Van Schaik.

Burger, R. W. (2015). Integrated metropolitan environmental policy of the City of Cape Town: An implementation evaluation (Master’s thesis). University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch.

DOI: 10.3390/admsci6030009

Cloete, F., De Coning, C., Wissink, H., & Rabie, B. (Eds.). (2018). Improving public policy for good governance (4th ed.). Pretoria: Van Schaik.

Corrigan, T. (2017). Democratic devolution: Structuring citizen participation in sub-national governance. Johannesburg: South African Institute of International Affairs. https://www.africaportal.org/documents/17508/saia_sop_263_corrigan_20170724.pdf (Accessed February 15, 2025)

De Klerk, F. W. (2023). Ideological contradictions that have led to the failure of the NDP. Politicsweb. https://www.politicsweb.co.za/opinion/ideological-contradictions-that-have-led-to-the-failure (Accessed February 15, 2025)

Gumede, W. (2021). Delivering democratic developmental state cities in South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 12(1), 1–27.

DOI: 10.4324/9781315693965

DOI: 10.4102/apsdpr.v9i1.374

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-137-00800-8

DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3727996

DOI: 10.31920/2634-3649/2023/v13n2a9

Mukonza, R. M., & Mukonza, C. (2015). Implementation of green economy policies and initiatives in the City of Tshwane. Journal of Public Administration, 50(1), 90–107.

Munzhedzi, P. H. (2020). Evaluating the efficacy of municipal policy implementation in South Africa: Challenges and prospects. African Journal of Governance and Development, 9(1), 89–105.

Najam, A. (1995). Learning from the literature on policy implementation: A synthesis perspective (Working Paper). International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria. http://pure.iiasa.ac.at/id/eprint/4532/1/WP-95-061.pdf (Accessed November 15, 2024)

Ngcaweni, B. (2019). Towards ten theses of effective public policy. Presentation at the China-Africa Institute and Human Sciences Research Council International Conference, Pretoria.

DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190085384.013.9

Paudel, R. P. (2009). A critical account of policy implementation theories: Status and reconsideration. Nepalese Journal of Public Policy and Governance, 25(2), 36–54. https://www.scribd.com/document/234189086/Paudel-2009-a-Critical-Account-of-Implementation-Theories (Accessed November 17, 2024)

DOI: 10.1017/S0143814X18000077

DOI: 10.2307/2182612

DOI: 10.4159/9780674042605

Rawls, J. (1985). Justice as fairness: Political not metaphysical. Philosophy & Public Affairs, 13(3), 223–251.

DOI: 10.5465/amc.2022.0006

DOI: 10.20448/journal.502.2017.41.7.14

Skhosana, J. S. (2019). Applying the 7-C protocol to assess the implementation of immigration policies in the Department of Home Affairs: A case study (Master’s thesis). Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch.

DOI: 10.4324/9780429494352

Swift, A., Gordon, M., Carole, B., & David, R. (1995). Distributive justice: Does it matter what the people think? In D. Mason, J. Kluegel, & B. Wegener (Eds.), Social justice and political change (pp. 15–47). New York: Aldine De Gruyter.

Tebele, M. M. (2016). Problems and challenges related to public policy implementation within the South African democratic dispensation: A theoretical exploration (Master’s thesis). Northwest University, Potchefstroom.

DOI: 10.1007/s11615-022-00395-6

Ugwu, C. N., & Eze Val, H. U. (2023). Qualitative research. IDOSR Journal of Computer and Applied Sciences, 8(1), 20–35.

van Wyk, C., & Coetzee, T. (2022). Investigating challenges facing policy implementation in South African provincial government with specific emphasis on the Free State Province. Journal of Public Administration, 57(1), 129–146.

DOI: 10.59890/ijir.v2i2.1363

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72368-6_10

DOI: 10.18502/kss.v5i2.8400