This book is about public administration in contemporary society; more specifically, contemporary society in South Africa. But why contemporary society? The answer can be found in the fact that: "There is scarcely a single duty of government which was once simple which is not now complex; government once had but a few masters; it now has scores of masters. Majorities only underwent government; they now conduct government. Where government once might follow the whims of a court, it must now follow the whims of a nation. The authors of this book took cognizance of the transitional stage in which South Africa currently finds itself. All the most recent developments in public administration in South Africa have been taken into account. Recent reform in South Africa has shown conclusively that systems must be adapted from time to time. However, irrespective of changing systems, the basic premises of public administration remain unaltered, providing a constant frame of reference for evaluating new developments. It is for this very reason that Public Administration in Contemporary Society will never lose its relevance for academics, students and public officials.

This ninth revised edition is intended as a textbook for university and technikon students as well as for officials who have to undergo in-service training. It can also be used by individuals who are interested in public affairs and who intend to play a role in party politics and government.

With contributions from leading regional scholars, Public Administration in Africa: Performance and Challenges examines the complexities of the art of governance from the unique African perspective. The editors bring together a cohesive study of the major issues and regions by taking an analytic approach with the strong problem-solution application. Regions addressed range from South Africa, Congo, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, and Botswana. Themes include colonialism, reform, poverty, economy, decentralization, financing, media, political structures, and more. Beginning with an analysis of the relationship of policy design and its destination, service delivery, the book discusses the historical development of a state that has gone through upheavals in government and explores a decayed political economy that ultimately results in a need for sweeping measures. The text examines the issues emerging policy-makers in Africa must tackle, namely poverty and the denial or lack of resources to keep a dignified human life. It highlights how the media can be a catalyst for good governance and provides analytical aspects of implementing good governance reforms. The book concludes with an examination of the concepts of decentralization and devolution in measuring service delivery performance and an exploration of Africa’s economic success story. It also details the African Peer Review Mechanisms in selected African countries and provides a holistic analysis of local government functioning in Africa. These features and more make it an interdisciplinary reference for diverse social, economic, political, and administrative issues.

As our society experiences rapid socio-political changes, economic and technological developments, increased international transactions, the challenges of public administration grow more complex, more inter-dependent and more embracing. Societal issues such as increasing demand for service delivery at both community and urban levels, growing unemployment, rapid urbanization and urban congestion, changes in consumption patterns, inflation, pressures of economic growth and development, security, health, education and environmental matters, including other concerns such as immigration and globalization influences are contending government policy issues that require ideal and efficient public administration and management. South Africa's Public Administration in Context is written as a comprehensive, useful resource for all public sector managers and students. The text provides in-depth analysis, relevant framework, systematic and informative coverage of all aspects of Public Administration in South Africa, including all bureaucratic practices and processes that contribute to efficient and effective governance and better implementation of public policy.