POLITICS AND

GOVERNMENT 1
POG152
ASSIGNMENT 1 – S1
2024
THOMAS IIYAMBO
STUDENT NUMBER
23507668
Question 1
Exploring Populism.

Populism has become a major topic of interest in recent years the Americas, in Europe and
Australasia. However, there hasn't been as much attention given to how populism works in
Africa. We will look at what populism is all about, how it has been developing, what it
means for democracy, and to what extent the EFF can be considered as a populist party.

Populism is a political ideology that promotes the control of the central government to the
citizens. It usually involves leaders who form movements or parties and speak directly to
the citizens and engage them around issues like fighting corruption and standing up to the
leadership of the country. Populists usually view themselves as the victims and the less
fortunate that are fighting against a system that is working against the interests of the
people.
The rise of populism and its impact on liberal democracy is ever increasing as a result of
factors such as the wide gap between the rich and the poor, especially in Namibia and
South Africa, poverty, large scale corruption and high unemployment rates etc. While it
can be a voice for the voiceless, it may act as a threat to democracy.

Populist leaders sometimes weaken democratic institutions, cause divisions, and make it
harder for the different structures of a country to work togather. Populism in Africa has
been rife towards the end of the colonial eras in most countries and is recently increasing
again in countries like Namibia and South Africa where the EFF and the NEFF are present.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by Julius Malema, has become a big player in
South African politics. They push for radical change, like taking land without paying and
making big businesses state-owned. The EFF talks a lot about fighting for the poor and
against corrupt elites, which is what classifies populism.
The EFF pushes for a citizen-controlled state, where the population takes the law into their
own hands.
This directly works against the purpose of democracy as it makes the country dangerous to
live in – if citizens take the law into their own hands, people’s rights will not be
safeguarded. It is evident that this type of ideology is a thorn in the flesh for good
governance as it has led to riots and looting in SA in the past.

In conclusion, populism is a powerful force in politics, but it's not always a straightforward
one. While it can give a voice to those who feel left behind, it also brings risks for
democracy. In South Africa, the EFF shares many similarities with populist parties, but
many ‘pro-populists’ would disagree.
Question 2.

Globalization

Globalization has been involved in the changes in the functions and forms of states around
the world.
In this essay, I will discuss the five forms that a state can take, mainly the Nation-State, the
Pluralist state, the Leviathan state, the Capitalist state, and the Patriarchal state. I will also
dwell into the impact of globalization on the decline of the state, and whether the state
remains a necessary institution in the world today.

Firstly, the Nation-State is characterized by a shared national identity, culture, and

sovereignty over a defined territory. It emphasizes unity and common purpose among its
citizens. However, globalization challenges the nation-state's sovereignty by aiding
economic interdependence and cultural exchange that exceeds beyond national borders.
The pluralist state focuses on diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the rights and identities
of all social groups and citizens within its borders. It promotes decentralization of power
and participatory governance. Globalization poses challenges to the pluralist state by
promoting cultural homogenization and globalizing forces that may mix up with local
identities and traditions.
The Leviathan state focuses on centralized authority and control, prioritizing the
maintenance of law and order within its country. Globalization introduces both
opportunities and threats to the Leviathan state, as technological advancements enhance
state surveillance capabilities while empowering non-state actors and transnational
threats.
The capitalist state is based on market-driven economic policies, which fosters private
ownership and free market competition. It aims for economic growth but may exacerbate
social inequalities. Globalization intensifies economic interdependence, challenging the
governing capacities of the capitalist state and necessitating adaptation to global market.

The Patriarchal state is built on gender-based hierarchies and discrimination, often

favoring male authority over women's rights. Globalization, however, brings attention to
gender issues and advocates for gender equality, challenging patriarchal norms. The
patriarchal state must adapt to changing societal expectations and global pressures for
gender equity.

Globalization has contributed to the decline of the state in several ways such as economic
interdependence. It integrates national economies into a global network, reducing the
state's control over economic policies. Transnational corporations and global markets
exert significant influence, undermining the state's autonomy.
Globalization also promotes cultural exchange, challenging the distinct cultural identities
protected by the state. While cultural diversity enriches societies, globalization may erase
traditional values and weaken the state's ability to foster a national identity.
Technological advancements empower non-state actors and challenges state authority.
Social media facilitates political activism and influences public opinion globally, bypassing
state control.
Globalization also facilitates increased migration, challenging traditional notions of
citizenship and national identity. States struggle with managing migration flows while
addressing concerns about social integration and security.

Is There a Need for the State? Despite globalization's challenges, the state remains a vital
institution as it ensures law and order, protects citizens' rights, and maintains national
security. It regulates economic activities and promotes social welfare to ensure
sustainable development and address inequalities.
The state preserves cultural heritage and fosters national identity amidst globalization's
cultural homogenization.

In conclusion, globalization has reshaped the role and forms of states. While globalization
challenges state sovereignty, the state remains essential in providing governance, security,
and welfare for citizens. Adaptation is crucial for states to navigate globalization's
complexities while fulfilling their fundamental functions in ensuring stability, prosperity,
and social justice within their societies.

Question 3

Trias Politica – South Africa

In the framework of the South African government, the principle of trias politica, the
separation of powers, divides power among three distinct branches, namely the executive,
legislative, and judicial.

In this essay, I will delve into the roles of these branches and note the importance of
maintaining their independence and autonomy.

By exploring the functions and interrelations of each branch, we can appreciate the
significance of this separation in ensuring effective governance, accountability, and the
protection of democratic principles.

The Executive Branch is tasked with executing and implementing laws, policies, and
decisions. Led by the president, it encompasses various ministries and administrative
bodies responsible for day-to-day governance. The independence of the executive branch
is crucial as it enables swift decision-making, efficient administration, and accountability
to the public.

The Legislative branch embodied by parliament, holds the authority to enact laws, oversee
the executive, and represent the interests of the populace. Comprising the National
Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, Parliament serves as a platform for
debate, lawmaking, and oversight. Maintaining independence is essential for Parliament to
fulfill its duties effectively, ensuring that laws are enacted in the public interest and that
the executive is held accountable through robust oversight mechanisms.

The judiciary, represented by the courts, plays a critical role in interpreting and applying
the law, safeguarding constitutional principles, and protecting individual rights. At the apex
stands the Constitutional Court, tasked with upholding the supremacy of the Constitution.
Judicial independence is paramount as it ensures impartial adjudication, protects against
abuses of power, and upholds the rule of law. Any undue influence or interference in
judicial matters undermines the integrity of the legal system and erodes public confidence
in the administration of justice.

Importance of Maintaining Independence: The independence and autonomy of each

branch of government are foundational to the principles of democracy, accountability, and
the rule of law and are important because of the following:

Separation of powers. It serves as a system of checks and balances, preventing the

concentration of power in any single branch. Independent branches act as
counterweights, ensuring accountability and preventing abuses of authority.

The protection of rights. Judicial independence safeguards individual rights and liberties by
providing a forum for impartial adjudication and protection against governmental
overreach. Without an independent judiciary, the rights enshrined in the Constitution risk
being undermined or disregarded.

Independence allows each branch to fulfill its functions without undue influence,
promoting efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in governance. By maintaining
autonomy, government institutions can better serve the needs of the people and address
pressing societal challenges.

In conclusion, the independence and autonomy of the executive, legislative, and judicial
branches are essential pillars of the South African government. These principles underpin
the system of checks and balances, ensure accountability, and uphold the rule of law. By
respecting and safeguarding the independence of each branch, South Africa can
strengthen its democratic foundations, promote good governance, and uphold the rights
and freedoms of its citizens.