Advanced Diploma in Public Administration
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Public Administration
Purpose and Rationale
Advanced Diploma in Public Administration
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Public Administration is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for the management functions of a general manager at a middle to senior level in the South African public sector. The qualification aims to:
- Provide a solid understanding of the public sector environment to prospective and current public officials.
- Develop skills, competencies, and attitudes necessary for effective public management across government service.
- Enhance operational efficiency for new entrants and improve competencies for experienced public sector employees.
- Equip learners with skills such as critical analysis of public administration principles, knowledge of government structures, financial management, policy development, and strategic leadership.
- Enable learners to enhance service delivery, promote development, uphold the rule of law, and ensure good governance.
Upon completion, learners will be able to:
- Develop planning strategies across government levels.
- Apply public management theories in the South African context.
- Implement administrative law principles in decision-making.
- Interpret and apply legislative and regulatory provisions in public administration.
- Practice principles outlined in the South African Constitution related to government functions.
- Manage policy development processes efficiently.
- Apply financial management systems requirements in budgeting, reporting, and intergovernmental finance.
Rationale:
The need for the Advanced Diploma is rooted in the South African Constitution's principles and the National Development Plan's call for a professional, capable public service. Key points supporting the qualification include:
- Mandate from the Constitution to uphold democratic values in public administration.
- National Development Plan emphasis on building a professional public service and addressing skill deficits.
- Recognition of the importance of skilled public servants in service delivery and government legitimacy.
- Identification of Public Administration as a scarce skill by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
- Emphasis on professionalisation of the public service in line with the National School of Government's framework.
Target Audience:
The qualification targets individuals:
- Starting their careers in the public sector.
- Transitioning from other sectors to the public sector.
- Public service employees seeking career advancement.
- Professionals working closely with the public sector, such as lawyers, engineers, and consultants.
- Individuals interested in working with all government levels (national, provincial, or local).
Potential Occupations:
Graduates may pursue roles like:
- Department Head/Director-General.
- Municipal Manager or Chief Financial Officer.
- Chief of Compliance, Strategy, Human Resources, or Finance.
- Director of Corporate Services, Human Resources, Strategy, or Community Services.
Benefits:
Benefits of the qualification include:
- Enhanced expertise for performing functions confidently.
- Addressing skills gaps for efficient administration and service delivery.
- Promoting a capable state for economic growth and good governance.
- Pathway for further studies at Honours and Master's levels.
The Advanced Diploma in Public Administration aims to empower learners to contribute effectively to the public sector's efficient functioning, thereby benefiting society and the economy as a whole.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to review and develop planning strategies in all spheres of government.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply theories of public management in practice in the South African context.
- Demonstrate the ability to implement principles of administrative law in the making of decisions and the execution of duties.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply the legislative and regulatory provisions relating to public administration in the local sphere of government and implement appropriate practices.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply the legislative and regulatory provisions relating to public administration in the national and provincial spheres of government and implement appropriate practices.
- Practice the principles of the Constitution of South Africa relating to the structures and functions of government and public management.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage and implement the processes of policy development effectively which is applicable to all spheres of government.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the requirements of the financial management systems in all spheres, including budgeting, reporting, asset and liability management and intergovernmental finance.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
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Develop the legislative, regulatory and policy framework in relation to the purpose, mechanisms, and processes of government planning:
- Examine the high-level planning instruments, such as the National Development Plan and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework, to understand their scope, purpose, and influence on the broader planning environment.
- Develop and apply policy instruments like Strategic Plans, Annual Performance Plans, and Strategic Plans in national and provincial departments for planning purposes.
- Examine and apply Municipal Integrated Development Plans in the local level planning process.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
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Analyse the historic development of public management as a discipline and its relevance to society:
- Apply major public administration theories and doctrines and assess their influence on public management practice.
- Critically analyse the background, process, and elements of public sector reform in South Africa and evaluate the need for reform and its intended effects.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
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Explain and apply the sources, basic principles, and objectives of administrative law in public administration:
- Discuss legislative developments in administrative law and their effects on administrative processes and citizens' rights.
- Analyse, contrast, and review appeal processes related to administrative actions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
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Examine and apply legislation provisions to public administration in the local sphere framework:
- Apply processes, systems, and procedures to local government institutions and how administration is carried out in this sphere.
- Engage with theoretical development of ethical public decisions and strategies for maximizing democratic accountability.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
-
Examine and apply key provisions of legislation relating to public administration in the national and provincial framework:
- Apply processes, systems, and procedures in national and provincial government institutions.
- Examine and interpret roles of key political structures, office bearers, administrative structures, and administrators in national and provincial spheres.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
-
Interpret the development of the Constitution and its key elements in government and public administration:
- Explain South Africa's decentralised system with three spheres of government to understand their functions in the government's role.
- Discuss the roles of government branches (legislature, executive, judiciary) and Chapter 9 Institutions in relation to separation of powers and constitutional democracy.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
-
Examine the policy-making environment:
- Apply policy construction process and model types to promote policy principles.
- Examine roles of legislators, office bearers, media, and others in policy development.
- Analyse policy implementation and evaluation processes with factors facilitating or impeding implementation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
-
Analyse Constitutional and legislative provisions for public sector finances:
- Examine sources of public funding and government financing activities.
- Make ethical decisions drawing on appropriate values and approaches.
- Implement public budgeting process to explain government spending planning.
- Examine intergovernmental financing concept to understand funds sharing among three government spheres.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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