What government consists of
Government comprises over 1,600 organisations and bodies, including 11 ministries, 12 provincial authorities and, since 1 January 2016, 390 municipal authorities.
Within the government sector, we distinguish between bodies that are directly elected and those that are not. Municipal councils, water boards and the House of Representatives are directly elected by the people, whereas mayors, police commissioners and ministers are not. However, all government authorities are ultimately accountable to the public for what they do. There are three tiers of government: central, provincial and municipal. Other authorities are classified mainly on the basis of their tasks.