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THE GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA: UBUME

The National Government of South Africa is comprised of Parliament, Cabinet and various Departments. These components carry out functions as outlined in the Constitution and in legislation enacted by Parliament.

South African Coat of Arms

THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

The Departments that make up the national administration are charged with implementing legislation and providing services to the public. In 2003, an overall budget of R334 billion was made available for this purpose.

Department of Agriculture
Department of Arts and Culture
Department of Communications
Department of Correctional Services
Department of Defence
Department of Education
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Department of Foreign Affairs
Department of Health
Department of Home Affairs
Department of Housing
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Department of Labour
Department of Land Affairs
Department of Minerals and Energy
Department of Provincial and Local Government
Department of Public Enterprises
Department of Public Service and Administration
Department of Public Works
Department of Science and Technology
Department of Social Development
Department of Trade and Industry
Department of Transport
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Independent Complaints Directorate
National Treasury
SA Secret Service
Secretariat of Safety and Security
Sport and Recreation South Africa
Statistics South Africa

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) came into effect on 4 February 1997. This is the highest law in South Africa and no other law or government action can overrule the Constitution or be in conflict with it.

South Africa's Constitution is one of the most progressive in the world and is based on the values of dignity, equality and freedom.

Chapter 2 of the Constitution contains the Bill of Rights.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN PARLIAMENT

The South African Parliament is responsible for creating and amending the countries laws in accordance with the Constitution. It consists of two parts, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

The National Assembly consists of 400 elected representatives who meet at the Houses of Parliament in Cape Town, to debate issues and create legislation.

The National Council of Provinces consists of 54 permanent members and 36 special delegates representing the nine provinces. The NCOP represents provincial interests in the national sphere of government.

CABINET

The executive arm of national government is headed up by the Cabinet which consists of the President, the Deputy President and various Ministers appointed by the President from the National Assembly. The President also determines which functions each of the Ministers will perform.

The Cabinet members currently are:

OVERVIEW OF SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa consists of 1 219 090 kmē at the southern-most tip of Africa. There is a population of approximately 44.8 million people.

South Africa is characterised by the diversity of its people in terms of race, culture and religion. This is reflected in the 11 national languages protected by the South African Constitution.

The country is divided into nine provinces, each with its own provincial parliament and administration. The nine provinces are:

  • Western Cape
  • Eastern Cape
  • Free State
  • Gauteng
  • KwaZulu-Natal
  • Limpopo (formerly Northern Province)
  • Mpumalanga
  • North West
  • Northern Cape.

For more information on South Africa, consult the South Africa Yearbook.


IWEBSITE: www.gov.za
Umxholo okweli phepha wagqibela ukuhlaziywa nge- 29 uSeptemba 2008
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