South Africa: Transition to Democracy Offers Opportunity for Whole System Reform

This case study considers the substantial reforms to the South African public expenditure management system undertaken since the mid-1990s. The key aspects of the reform process have been: establishing the institutional framework for budget reforms through the “new” Constitution and further national legislation and practice; adopting a multi-year budget framework and top-down budget process; developing a framework for public financial management and reporting; improving the classification system of public finances; and creating a performance-oriented public service. South Africa has successfully implemented a number of these reforms and has radically altered the way in which it budgets for public services and how it accounts for public expenditure and commitments. The case study concludes by drawing on the lessons learned through this process.