POL1501
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 7 April 2026
QUESTION 1
Policy
Policy can be understood as a formal declaration of intent that guides action. It sets out what
should be done, how it should be done, and by whom. According to Van der Waldt and
Gerrit Du Toit, policy is a series of interrelated decisions taken by authorities to transform
societal needs into objectives that institutions must pursue. In this sense, policy provides
direction and ensures that actions are not random but structured and goal-driven (Van der
Merwe, 2012).
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
Policy
Policy can be understood as a formal declaration of intent that guides action. It sets
out what should be done, how it should be done, and by whom. According to Van der
Waldt and Gerrit Du Toit, policy is a series of interrelated decisions taken by
authorities to transform societal needs into objectives that institutions must pursue.
In this sense, policy provides direction and ensures that actions are not random but
structured and goal-driven (Van der Merwe, 2012).
Policy therefore functions as a framework that guides behaviour within organisations
or institutions. It reflects intentions and establishes procedures for achieving specific
outcomes. It can exist in both public and private sectors and is not limited to
government activities.
Public Policy
Public policy refers specifically to decisions and actions taken by government on
behalf of society. It includes both what government chooses to do and what it
deliberately chooses not to do. Thomas Dye defines public policy as “whatever
governments choose to do or not to do,” emphasising government authority in
decision-making.
Similarly, Hanekom describes public policy as a guide for action, a mechanism to
achieve societal goals, and a way of allocating resources within society. Public policy
is therefore goal-oriented and aimed at addressing public needs such as safety,
welfare and development (Van der Merwe, 2012).
It is developed mainly by government institutions, although external actors like
interest groups may influence it. Public policy is also rooted in societal values and is
implemented through legislation and public programmes.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 7 April 2026
QUESTION 1
Policy
Policy can be understood as a formal declaration of intent that guides action. It sets out what
should be done, how it should be done, and by whom. According to Van der Waldt and
Gerrit Du Toit, policy is a series of interrelated decisions taken by authorities to transform
societal needs into objectives that institutions must pursue. In this sense, policy provides
direction and ensures that actions are not random but structured and goal-driven (Van der
Merwe, 2012).
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
Policy
Policy can be understood as a formal declaration of intent that guides action. It sets
out what should be done, how it should be done, and by whom. According to Van der
Waldt and Gerrit Du Toit, policy is a series of interrelated decisions taken by
authorities to transform societal needs into objectives that institutions must pursue.
In this sense, policy provides direction and ensures that actions are not random but
structured and goal-driven (Van der Merwe, 2012).
Policy therefore functions as a framework that guides behaviour within organisations
or institutions. It reflects intentions and establishes procedures for achieving specific
outcomes. It can exist in both public and private sectors and is not limited to
government activities.
Public Policy
Public policy refers specifically to decisions and actions taken by government on
behalf of society. It includes both what government chooses to do and what it
deliberately chooses not to do. Thomas Dye defines public policy as “whatever
governments choose to do or not to do,” emphasising government authority in
decision-making.
Similarly, Hanekom describes public policy as a guide for action, a mechanism to
achieve societal goals, and a way of allocating resources within society. Public policy
is therefore goal-oriented and aimed at addressing public needs such as safety,
welfare and development (Van der Merwe, 2012).
It is developed mainly by government institutions, although external actors like
interest groups may influence it. Public policy is also rooted in societal values and is
implemented through legislation and public programmes.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
