Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation

Purpose

The qualification is multi- and inter-disciplinary in nature. It strengthens and deepens the leaner's knowledge in Governance and Political Transformation. The qualification focuses on the identification of best practices of good governance and the management of change in the public and private sector. The qualification allows for working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in the area of governance and political transformation.

The qualification will make it possible for adult learners to engage in a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence who will be able to relate knowledge to a range of political, social and economic realities in South Africa in order to undertake professional or highly skilled work. Especially for adult learners it provides an opportunity to gain attributes which include academic and professional competence. They will become effective knowledge workers by doing scientific research and becoming leaders in communities.

The purpose of the qualification is, therefore, to build the human resource capacity in South Africa by concentrating on the acquisition of political management skills which will complement the development of a value system of good governance. Furthermore, it will equip learners with the necessary skills in order to make a contribution to the process of governance in a changing society and to strengthen service providers to improve good governance practices in South Africa. In addition, the qualification will promote good governance practices in areas of law and governance, corporate governance, ethics and governance, conflict management, municipal governance and establish a value system for good governance in South Africa. Such attributes are needed and applicable at all three spheres of government, namely national, provincial and local.

Rationale

There is a distinct need for knowledge, research, skills, capacity, infrastructure, responsibility, accountability and transparency regarding governance and political transformation, especially in the public and private sector. The country is in need of competence in this area to manage change, conduct effective and efficient services to the citizens of South Africa and entrench good governance practices. The past and present number of leaners is indicative of the growth and necessity of this qualification. The increasing demands within the public and private sectors for qualified individuals who are able to analyse, evaluate and manage the political environment during a process of change and transformation, justify the development of the qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification.

The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Political Science, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7, or equivalent.

This qualification consists of elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

Choose Eight of the following modules to give a total of 128 Credits

• Political Conflict Management, 16 Credits.
• Political Communication Management, 16 Credits.
• Comparative Analysis, 16 Credits.
• Municipal Governance, 16 Credits.
• Law and Governance, 16 Credits.
• Public Human Resource Management, 16 Credits.
• Local and Corporate Governance, 16 Credits.
• Global Governance, 16 Credits.
• Public Financial Management, 16 Credits.
• South African Governance and Political Transformation, 16 Credits.
• Community Engagement and Service Learning, 16 Credits.
• Ethics, Religion and Governance, 16 Credits.
• Political Transformation and Management, 16 Credits.
• Political Change Management, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology (Report), 16 Credits.
• The Political Environment, 16 Credits.
• Cooperative Government, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology (Theory), 16 Credits.

1. Critically demonstrate knowledge in the identification and analysis of problems in a particular context or area of governance and political transformation and come up with innovative solutions to existing and anticipated problems.
2. Critically identify relevant information and sources to analyse, evaluate and manage information to contribute to the enhancement of good governance and transformation.
3. Analyse and evaluate political criteria associated with good governance.
4. Develop creative insight into governance and political transformation from data gathered.
5. Interpret the data gathered through research.
6. Implement knowledge gained through insights in the chosen area in order to enhance good governance practices and implement strategic transformation techniques.
7. Support, in a practical setting a culture of learning to sustain independent learning through the constant reconstruction, reinterpretation and re-evaluation of the political environment, governance practices and transformation strategies.

• Follow standard methods and procedures regarding the research methodology and doing research.
• Demonstrate knowledge on governance and political transformation in identifying problems and using skills to address burning issues within own political environment.
• Present academic ideas and text and create insight into governance practices and transformation strategies.
• Contribute to the knowledge field of governance and political transformation.
• Present academic ideas and dialogue on the enhancement of good governance practices and the managing of transformation.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment takes place throughout the semester modules. The progressive support of students who may not have studied recently is taken into account through the progressive complexity of outcomes within and across modules. Assessment activities including assignments contributing to a predicate mark for semester work are calculated. Examination or summative assessment for most modules is applicable. There is a research report that students submit during the second semester.