An examination of the impact of political interference in administration with specific focus on the Department of Health and Social Development in Limpopo.

Abstract

The topic Political interference in Administration remains a serious challenge to both Administrative practitioners and politicians in government, although the history of the debate is well documented. Are officials enabled to operate freely and professionally without political interference in Limpopo Department of Health and Social Development? The Department has been faced with various and serious challenges related to poor service delivery. There have been allegations of Political interference in Administration, where by some of highly politically connected officers’ cases just disappears. There has been complains about the appointment under qualified or unqualified officials for strategic positions. Chapter one introduces the reader to the study; this indicating what is contained in the research and its objectives. The background of the study is also included in this chapter. The chapter also explains why the study is necessary. It also indicates the importance and relevancy of having the understanding of each territory. Chapter two reviews the literature on Political-Administration Dichotomy. The chapter also gave indications about the history of the debate. It also explained the different theories from various authors. The information collected from those authors was put together in this chapter as the historical background to the challenge and taking the readers through where the debate originates from. Various opinions and suggestions from various authors were dealt with.Chapter three focused on sampling and data analysis. The data collected included official documents, such as charge sheets and investigation reports. The manner in which information was collected is briefly outlined in this chapter. In chapter four the collected data was analysed. The specific objectives were used as a guiding line for selecting the relevant data. Information interviews were also taken into consideration. Chapter five is about what position is developed, the conclusion made from the analysis and the recommendation. It includes suggestions on how the problem could be resolved.