Better understand the role of public financial management so that you can aid the effective use of the national budget and expenditure
12 weeks, excluding
orientation
10–14 hours per week,
self-paced learning online
Weekly modules,
flexible learning
1
A clear understanding of how the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA) affect the relevant government functions.
2
The skills to work with, within, or as an impactful leader of South Africa’s public finance sector.
3
Expert insight into the government planning framework, the role of the National Treasury, and the planning instruments used in all three spheres of government – national, provincial and local.
4
Comprehensive knowledge of the public finance sphere in South Africa, allowing you to play your role in ensuring public finance is a more transparent and considered field in the future.
Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work through the following modules:
MODULE 1
The Role of Government
Gain a global understanding of the role of government in historical and modern contexts.
MODULE 2
Government Structures
Gain a global understanding of how governments are structured.
MODULE 3
The Architecture of Government in South Africa
Learn about the structure of the South African government as it is set out in the Constitution.
MODULE 4
Public and Municipal Entities
Examine the rationale for different types of public and municipal entities.
MODULE 5
The Public Management Framework in South Africa
Learn about the ideological and legislative framework that governs the public sector.
MODULE 6
The Public Financial and Fiscal Framework
Explore the role of public finance management systems and South Africa’s reform process.
MODULE 7
Financial Management in the National and Provincial Spheres
Learn about the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
MODULE 8
Financial Management in the Local Sphere
Learn about the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
MODULE 9
Sources of Government Funding
Learn about the main sources of government funding, taxation and borrowing, and user charges.
MODULE 10
Government Planning
Explore the government planning process.
MODULE 11
Government Budgets: Budgeting in the Public Sector
Scrutinise the framework, legislation, and actors involved in the budgeting process.
MODULE 12
The Intergovernmental Finance System
Examine the process of the division of revenue among the various spheres of government.
Please note that module titles and their contents are subject to change during course development.
Andrew Siddle
Adjunct Associate Professor, College of Accounting, Faculty of Commerce, UCT
Andrew practises as an independent consultant. He also lectures part-time at the College of Accounting and the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town. His academic and professional interests are in the public sector, especially in the fields of governance, public finance, intergovernmental relations, public sector reform, and government structures and functions. He also has a special interest in democratic decentralisation and is acknowledged as an expert in the field.
The South African Public Sector Structures, Functions, and Finance online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT) is based on the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Accounting offered by UCT. Part of this programme has been developed into smaller online short courses that allow professionals to study specific areas of public sector structures, governance, accounting and finance, in order to bolster their skills in this important and relevant field.
This UCT online short course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter, part of edX. Join a growing community of global professionals, and benefit from the opportunity to:
Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time.
Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.
Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.