Unit 3

Question 1

What are the three key characteristics that influence a person’s life?

Answer 1

Attitude, Skills, Knowledge

Question 2

What is the primary aim of private sector organizations?

Answer 2

To make a profit

Question 3

What is the primary aim of public sector organizations?

Answer 3

To render a service

Question 4

Name two examples of private sector organizations.

Answer 4

• Van Schaik
• McDonald’s

Question 5

Name two examples of public sector organizations.

Answer 5

• Department of Education (DoE)
• South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Question 6

What is the focus of Learning Unit 3 in Human Resource Management?

Answer 6

A public sector overview

Question 7

What are the learning outcomes related to human resource management in the South African public sector?

Answer 7

• Explain the influence of global, macro & micro environments on HRM
• Discuss the dynamics of the South African workforce
• Distinguish between political reform initiatives of leadership
• Describe contemporary trends and challenges for public sector HRM

Question 8

What significant changes occurred in the public sector workforce pre-1994?

Answer 8

• Dominance of males in higher structures
• High wages for European immigrants
• Sanctions imposed from abroad

Question 9

What were two major challenges faced by the public sector workforce post-1994?

Answer 9

• Macro-environment challenges
• Micro-environment challenges

Question 10

Who was the South African president from 10 May 1994 to 14 June 1999?

Answer 10

Nelson Mandela

Question 11

What was a key focus of Thabo Mbeki’s presidency?

Answer 11

Strengthening the economy and building partnerships

Question 12

What was Jacob Zuma’s approach to public sector leadership?

Answer 12

Created self-interest above everything and everyone

Question 13

What is Cyril Ramaphosa’s current focus in public sector leadership?

Answer 13

Fighting against corruption and restoring the economy

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 assisted in the transformation during the _______ era.

Answer 14

Mandela

Question 15

What was a notable economic growth rate under Thabo Mbeki’s administration?

Answer 15

4.5% per year

Question 16

What significant legislative acts were introduced during the Zuma era?

Answer 16

• Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011
• Employment Tax Incentive Act 26 of 2013

Question 17

What major challenges did Cyril Ramaphosa face after becoming president?

Answer 17

• Lack of accountability in public sector leadership
• Increased corruption and fraud

Question 18

What percentage of the South African government’s revenue is spent on public servants?

Answer 18

37%

Question 19

What are two potential negative effects of salary increases for public servants?

Answer 19

• Increased government expenditure
• Budget cuts in other areas

Question 20

What is the current macro environment in South Africa characterized by?

Answer 20

• Sluggish economic growth
• High unemployment
• Persistent inequality

Question 21

What are the eight strategies proposed by the National Planning Commission?

Answer 21

• Creating jobs & improving livelihoods
• Expanding infrastructure
• Transitioning to a low-carbon economy
• Transforming urban areas

Question 22

What are the challenges related to South Africa’s economic environment?

Answer 22

Infrastructure bottlenecks, energy supply constraints (load shedding), volatile rand exchange rate

The government is working on reforms to address these issues.

Question 23

What are the eight strategies proposed by the National Planning Commission for sustainable development?

Answer 23

• Creating jobs & improving livelihoods
• Expanding infrastructure
• Transitioning to a low-carbon economy
• Transforming urban & rural spaces
• Improving education & training
• Providing quality health

These strategies aim to foster economic recovery.

Question 24

What does G20 stand for?

Answer 24

Group of Twenty

It is an international forum for economic cooperation between the world’s major economies.

Question 25

What threat did US President Trump make regarding BRICS countries?

Answer 25

Countries attempting to replace the dollar as a trading currency would face 100% tariffs on their trade with the United States ## Footnote This was in response to BRICS efforts to reduce dependence on the dollar.

Question 26

What is the main focus of leadership in the context of public sector HRM in South Africa?

Answer 26

To show robust leadership in accelerating social development & effectively addressing poverty ## Footnote This includes creating jobs, attracting investment, and engaging in trade.

Question 27

What is essential for professionalising the public service?

Answer 27

Administering a professional, ethical & performance-oriented ethos among public servants ## Footnote This requires political will to limit interference and enforce objectivity.

Question 28

What is the challenge for South African leaders regarding economic growth and social security?

Answer 28

To support the NDP's implementation or offer leadership towards an alternative to sustain democracy through significant growth ## Footnote This includes skills development and improving government coordination.

Question 29

How has information & communication technology impacted South Africa's economy?

Answer 29

It transforms & expands economies, recognizing the importance of knowledge technology in development ## Footnote The DST sees the public as active participants in shaping science and technology.

Question 30

What is corruption broadly defined as?

Answer 30

The abuse of power entrusted to a public or corporate sector official for private gain ## Footnote Legislative directives exist to promote ethical behavior, but corruption persists.

Question 31

Which organizations were reported to have deep-rooted corruption according to the Zondo Commission?

Answer 31

* South African Airways & related companies * Gupta owned New Age newspaper * South African Revenue Service * Transnet * Denel * Bosasa * Eskom * Free State Provincial government R1 billion housing project ## Footnote These cases highlight corruption at the highest political leadership level.