Opportunities and Challenges Affecting the Promotion of Good Governance, Open Data and Transparency Initiatives in South Africa
Keywords:
innovation; open data; transparency; governance; public participationAbstract
Open data and transparency initiatives are increasingly seen as public administration innovations that are essential for promoting good governance, accountability and public participation in government activities. These initiatives have the potential to promote efficiency, transparency and accountability in government activities while also empowering all persons to fight the scourge of corruption by elected public officials in South Africa. The article examines the current state of open data and transparency initiatives so as to unpack the opportunities and challenges they present to the promotion of good governance in South Africa. The article further explores the open data initiatives and the legal framework for the access to information that is provided under the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000, the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 and the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. It is submitted that open data and transparency initiatives should be carefully utilised by regulators, government agencies and other relevant persons to improve governance matters in South Africa. Lastly, some recommendations to combat the aforesaid challenges will be provided to enhance good governance and public administration in South Africa.
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Legislation
*** (2000). Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000.
*** (2003). Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.
*** (2013). Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013.
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