The South African public service will be judged by its effectiveness in delivering services which meet the basic needs of all South African citizens. As provided for in the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery (Batho Pele White Paper), the matter is not about which services are to be provided, but the decisions about what services should be delivered need to be improved through a participatory public administration. To give effect to the principle of participatory public administration, leaders are present in various public entities. Such leadership is also subjected to the guideline of public accountability which in essence brings in the media as the role player in public service delivery. The involvement of media also ensures adherence to democratic values. The nature of interaction with leaders and the media will have a bearing concerning how the principle of public participation is realised. This strengthens the no