This module introduces students to the principles and practice of public financial management in South Africa. Students will examine the theoretical foundations of state financial systems (from laissez-faire to welfare-state models), the roles and responsibilities of the legislature, the executive authority, and the administrative authority (including ministers, chief financial officers, and accounting officers) in managing public funds, and the core principles of democratic financial accountability.
The module then works through the practical mechanics of government budgeting: the full budget cycle from preparation through approval to execution and control; the structure and classification of government expenditure; provincial financial management and the relationship between national and provincial government; and the procurement and management of public-sector inventory.
By the end of the module, students should be able to explain how public funds are raised, allocated, spent, and controlled at both national and provincial level, and also explain the accountability mechanisms that govern this process.
The module then works through the practical mechanics of government budgeting: the full budget cycle from preparation through approval to execution and control; the structure and classification of government expenditure; provincial financial management and the relationship between national and provincial government; and the procurement and management of public-sector inventory.
By the end of the module, students should be able to explain how public funds are raised, allocated, spent, and controlled at both national and provincial level, and also explain the accountability mechanisms that govern this process.
- Facilitator: Nicolaas Johannes De Jongh
- Facilitator: SHARIFA Mathee