CASCADING IMPLOSIONS IN THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH SECTOR OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE COMPLETE EROSION OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The paper attempts to look at government and governance failure within the provincial health sector of South Africa. There have been cascading implosions within almost all nine provinces of the countries health sector. There seems to be a lack of accountability, in spite of the government's reassurance after the May 7th general elections that given the criticisms against its track record in respect of governance, and its failure to deliver services to the people in many instances, that it will remain accountable to the sum total of the South African population and will heighten service delivery. This has not come to fruition and government excesses are increasing and there is a breakdown of governance. This paper therefore intends to provide evidence with particular reference to the massive failure of two provinces in respect to the provincial health sector, and will fleetingly draw attention to another two provinces in this regard. It would also talk to the concept of accountability that has been eroded without any reference to the rule of law and would show why governments fail in the execution of their duties. The paper is not all encompassing but is an attempt to bring these abuses to the fore.