Problems and challenges related to public policy implementation within the South African democratic dispensation : a theoretical exploration

Abstract

It is highly recommended that good policies should be produced in any democracy as they are essential for the functioning of a democracy. However, it is also imperative to take into account that good written policies without proper implementation serve no purpose. In this study, it is argued that South Africa has excellent and well-written public policies; however, the problem with South Africa’s public policies is that they habitually yield poor implementation results. Essentially, the present study presents a literature review (a theoretical exploration). The literature review is based on the assumption that public policy implementation (PPI) in South Africa is faced with countless problems and challenges which have resulted in public policies not yielding the expected results as stated in the policy directives of said public policy documents. Some of these challenges and problems that have been identified as contributing to PPI failure include non-compliance of public policy; as well as lack of knowledge, skills, experience and expertise in the public environment. The primary objectives of the study were to assess what the problems and challenges related to PPI within the South African Democratic Dispensation are; and to determine the extent to which PPI has a bearing on a democracy or the functioning of a democracy in the South African context.