PMG1B EXAM

SECTION A: POSSIBLE ESSAY QUESTIONS

MODULE: GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. Explain the concept of a ‘developmental state’ and explore South Africa as a developmental state with specific
reference to its:
• Historical legacies, capacity of the state, and building social cohesion and nation-building.

2. Explain the concept of a ‘developmental state’ and explore South Africa as a developmental state with specific
reference to its:
• Capacity of the state, rule of law and historical legacies.

3. Explore the Contemporary Theory with specific reference to the Human Development Theory and the
Environment/Development Theory.

4. Explain the initiatives taken by South Africa to foster sustainable development and economic growth with
specific reference to:
• The Reconstruction and Development Programme
• Medium-Term Strategic Framework
• Growth, Employment and Redistribution
• Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa
• Integrated Development Planning and Community-based Development
• National Development Plan: Vision 2030
• National Strategy for Sustainable Development

5. Define the concepts of ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Sustainable Development’ and explain the role of the government
in fostering sustainable development and the three pillars of sustainability and their interrelationship.
Substantiate your answer with relevant examples.

6. Discuss the global and continental initiatives to facilitate sustainable development with specific reference to:
• Earth Summits, Agenda 21 and Local Agenda 21
• The African Union (AU)
• Commission for Sustainable Development
• New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)

7. Explain the initiatives taken by South Africa to foster sustainable development and economic growth with
specific reference to:
• National Development Plan: Vision 2030
• National Strategy for Sustainable Development

8. Identify and explain key environmental influences on ethics from a South African perspective . NB: Use
relevant and current examples to illustrate your understanding.
 PMG1B EXAM
SECTION B: POSSIBLE ESSAY QUESTIONS
MODULE: INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS MANAGEMENT IN GOOD GOVERNANCE

9. Professionalism means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence.
Discuss the nature of professionalism.

10. Codes of conduct provide a clear guide outlining the standards of expected moral conduct in a profession.
Discuss the above statement with regard to the following aspects:
• The necessity of codes of conduct
• The value of a code of conduct
• The objectives of ethical performance
• The nature of a code of conduct
• The prerequisites for a code of conduct
• Codes of conduct as preventative and deterrent measures

11. Describe the relationship between ethics and the traditional principles of Public Administration. Pay specific
attention to the following:
• Maintenance of fairness and reasonableness
• Maintenance of public accountability
• Parliamentary sovereignty

12. Explain the functions of the following role players in ensuring ethical behaviour in the Public Service:
Auditor-General
• The Human Rights Commission
• Public Protector
• The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and
Linguistic Communities
• The Commission for Gender Equality

13. Discuss the ethics-legal relationship with specific reference to:

• The Legal Foundation in South Africa
• The “law” explained
• The effect of law/rule violation

14. Discuss the potential way forward as far as the following focus areas for transforming Public Service Delivery
are concerned:
• Enhancing democracy and citizen participation
• Promoting effectiveness and efficiency in public service delivery
• Ensuring transparency and accountability
• Adopting professional ethos

15. Explain the concept of “law” and the following legal perspectives:
• The role of rules
• The Legal Foundation in South Africa
• The effect of law/rule violation

16. Describe the legislative framework for transforming Public Service Delivery. Pay specific attention to the
following:
• The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act of 1996
• White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery, 1997
• Challenges in transforming Public Service Delivery in South Africa