University of Cape Town
South African Public Sector Structures, Functions, and Finance
Uncover the crucial significance of public financial management in effectively translating government plans and programmes into tangible actions and outcomes.
Starting soon
Start date
02 September 2024
Enroll by 27 August 2024
Course duration
12 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
10–14 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The projected total consolidated spending of the South African government in 2021/2022.
National Treasury (2020).
Every billion spent by the South African government can increase the gross domestic product (GDP) by R1.68 billion and create 6,900 jobs.
The Conversation (Apr, 2020).
Duration: 12 weeks (excluding orientation)
In a developing country like South Africa, the government plays a vital role in ensuring the welfare of its citizens. The government is responsible for a wide range of functions and must effectively perform them in the best interests of its people, with transparency and accountability. The public finance system is tasked with managing a country’s resources, ensuring that expenditure is fiscally responsible across all spheres of government. The public financial management structure must be transparent and ethical, as it plays a pivotal role in implementing government plans and programmes. When functioning efficiently, it helps to stabilise the economy, supports service delivery, nurtures economic growth and equality, and instils trust in government entities.
If you're interested in learning about public sector structures, governance, accounting, and finance, the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers an online short course called South African Public Sector Structures, Functions, and Finance. This course is based on the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Accounting offered by UCT and has been broken down into smaller online courses, which can be completed in just 12 weeks. By taking this course, you will gain insight into the government’s purpose, processes, and challenges, explore the fiscal and financial framework that supports government activities, and understand how this framework needs to be implemented.
Is this course for you?
This advanced course is specifically designed for individuals with extensive experience working in or with the public sector and seeking to advance their careers in public finance. This course also benefits beginners who want to develop their skills and broaden their understanding of the field. Students in this course can include financial managers and other officials working in the financial function of national and provincial departments, municipalities, public entities, and other institutions. These individuals can improve their expertise to perform their roles better, meet new business requirements, or prepare for career advancement.
Civil servants in non-financial positions, such as department and deputy heads, municipal managers, and individuals in human resources, operations, compliance, and legal departments, can apply the knowledge from this course to improve their decision-making abilities or transition into a financial role. Private sector consultants, auditors, or lawyers seeking to work with public sector institutions can also benefit from this course by gaining crucial insights into the workings of the public sector and improving their ability to work with these organisations.
Course overview
Course overview
Duration: 12 weeks (excluding orientation)
In a developing country like South Africa, the government plays a vital role in ensuring the welfare of its citizens. The government is responsible for a wide range of functions and must effectively perform them in the best interests of its people, with transparency and accountability. The public finance system is tasked with managing a country’s resources, ensuring that expenditure is fiscally responsible across all spheres of government. The public financial management structure must be transparent and ethical, as it plays a pivotal role in implementing government plans and programmes. When functioning efficiently, it helps to stabilise the economy, supports service delivery, nurtures economic growth and equality, and instils trust in government entities.
If you're interested in learning about public sector structures, governance, accounting, and finance, the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers an online short course called South African Public Sector Structures, Functions, and Finance. This course is based on the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Accounting offered by UCT and has been broken down into smaller online courses, which can be completed in just 12 weeks. By taking this course, you will gain insight into the government’s purpose, processes, and challenges, explore the fiscal and financial framework that supports government activities, and understand how this framework needs to be implemented.
Is this course for you?
This advanced course is specifically designed for individuals with extensive experience working in or with the public sector and seeking to advance their careers in public finance. This course also benefits beginners who want to develop their skills and broaden their understanding of the field. Students in this course can include financial managers and other officials working in the financial function of national and provincial departments, municipalities, public entities, and other institutions. These individuals can improve their expertise to perform their roles better, meet new business requirements, or prepare for career advancement.
Civil servants in non-financial positions, such as department and deputy heads, municipal managers, and individuals in human resources, operations, compliance, and legal departments, can apply the knowledge from this course to improve their decision-making abilities or transition into a financial role. Private sector consultants, auditors, or lawyers seeking to work with public sector institutions can also benefit from this course by gaining crucial insights into the workings of the public sector and improving their ability to work with these organisations.
What will set you apart
A comprehensive understanding of how the government works and its role in society, from both the global and South African perspective. This includes a thorough comprehension of the roles and functions of the spheres and branches of government in South Africa and their associated institutions, such as the National Treasury.
Knowledge of the public finance framework in South Africa – including constitutional and legislative provisions, such as the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA) – and a strong grasp of how the framework supports the activities of all spheres of government.
Insight into government planning, budgeting, and intergovernmental finance frameworks, and an awareness of how they’re connected.
The ability to play a part in ensuring public finance is more transparent and equitable in South Africa through effective decision-making and resource allocation.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
The role of government
Module 2
Government structures
Module 3
The architecture of government in South Africa
Module 4
Public and municipal entities
Module 5
The public management framework in South Africa
Module 6
The public sector financial and fiscal framework
Module 7
Financial management in the national and provincial spheres
Module 8
Financial management in the local sphere
Module 9
Sources of government funding
Module 10
Government planning
Module 11
Government budgets: Budgeting in the public sector
Module 12
The intergovernmental finance system
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Course Convenor
Andrew Siddle
Adjunct Associate Professor, College of Accounting, Faculty of Commerce, UCT
About the certificate
Explore the integral role of public financial management in government operations and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
