This course contains 8 units and can be completed in 3 months at the recommended pace of 8 hours per week.

• Unit 1: Understanding Public Management in South Africa
• Unit 2: Public Finance and Accountability
• Unit 3: Budgeting for Service Delivery
• Unit 4: Managing Conflict and Organisational Politics
• Unit 5: Managing Projects in Government
• Unit 6: Strategy, Planning, and Scenario Development
• Unit 7: Leading Change and Innovation in the Public Sector
• Unit 8: Decision-Making, Self-Management, and Systems Thinking

These units guide you through the core functions of public management, from governance, financial accountability, and budgeting to project implementation, strategic planning, leadership, and service delivery in the South African public sector.

Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to:

1. Apply foundational principles of public management to support effective, efficient, and accountable governance in South Africa.
2. Demonstrate financial management competencies by explaining and applying key concepts of budgeting, expenditure, and accountability in the public sector.
3. Plan and implement projects and strategies that align with government priorities and community needs.
4. Resolve conflict and manage organisational dynamics to promote cooperation, ethical behaviour, and constructive workplace relationships.
5. Lead and manage change processes while fostering innovation and adaptability in public service delivery.
6. Make informed decisions using systems thinking and apply self-management skills to improve professional effectiveness.
7. Engage stakeholders and communities inclusively by applying participatory and people-centred approaches to governance.

You can expect to gain practical skills in the following areas:

• Public sector governance
• Public financial management
• Budgeting and resource allocation
• Project management
• Strategic planning
• Conflict resolution
• Change management
• Decision-making and systems thinking