An Administration Coordination under a Governance of National Unity: A New Model of Inter-Ministerial Collaborations in South Africa

Description

Page: 1590-1594

Fhedzisani Mudau and Engeline Zwane (Department of Public Administration, University of Limpopo, South Africa)

This article explores the challenges and opportunities in administrative coordination within South Africa’s 2024 Government of National Unity (GNU), a coalition government established by various political parties sharing executive authority. The research seeks to present an innovative framework for inter-ministerial cooperation that harmonizes horizontal collaboration among ministries and vertical alignment between political figures and civil servants. Employing a conceptual framework based on public management theories, the article examines theoretical situations involving co-management among essential stakeholders, pinpoints significant challenges including trust issues, vague accountability, and overlapping initiatives, and emphasizes avenues for improved inclusivity, internal oversight, and equilibrium of power. The article ends with policy suggestions such as creating specific coordination units and a GNU Steering Council to promote efficient collaboration, accountability, and consistent policies. These changes are essential for evolving South Africa’s GNU into a unified and effective governing body that can meet national objectives. To improve inter-ministerial cooperation in a multi-party executive structure, this essay looks at the governance implications of the GNU system, assesses the efficiency of current coordination mechanisms, and offers innovative ideas. For a comprehensive grasp of the subject, the desk-top technique was used.