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The Republic of South Africa has continuously experienced challenges of poor governance from all spheres of government, which has resulted in the poor delivery of essential public services. Government is considered as the main actor as far as governance and promoting citizens' rights. The poor performance of the public sector, on national, provincial and local levels, has always been a cause for concern in South Africa and one which has cast the issues of governance in South Africa in a poor light. This article advocates a new public management approach that aims at transforming public sector operations, to be business-like and efficient. It reveals that the lack of appropriate systems and mechanisms that promote and enforce effective governance continues to impact development negatively. Poor governance has resulted in wasted public resources, weak institutions, decreasing investment and growth and it has entrenched corruption. The article shows that corruption is a consequence of the failure of accountability in the governance system. Effective governance and good quality of public administration ultimately results in economic growth and development that benefits all citizens. Effective governance should always think and act in the interest of the public by responding to the needs of the people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]