Held under the theme “From Policy to Impact: How Public Administration Can Drive Industrialisation and Competitive Markets in South Africa,” the event brought together government leaders, public sector professionals, staff and students to engage on the role of public administration in advancing ethical governance, economic transformation, and state capability.
Addressing a capacity audience at the South Campus Auditorium, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Pamela Maseko, reflected on the historical evolution of Public Administration in South Africa and the urgent need for a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“Without effective implementation, coordination, accountability and ethical leadership, even the most progressive policy interventions struggle to translate into meaningful impact,” she said.
Prof Maseko further emphasised the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are “not only technically competent, but also ethically conscious, critically engaged, and socially responsible.”
Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi
Nelson Mandela University alumnus and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, was one of three guest speakers who challenged students and public servants to rethink the role of bureaucracy in national development.
Drawing from developmental state theory and international examples such as China and East Asia, Godlimpi said South Africa needs to cultivate a bureaucracy capable of long-term strategic planning, regardless of changing political leadership.
“A developmental state cannot be built on improvisation. It requires a bureaucracy that is technically competent, ethically grounded, and strategically orientated towards national development,” he said.
Deputy Minister Godlimpi further cautioned against corruption and the culture of conspicuous consumption among young professionals, arguing that public service should be rooted in integrity and long-term national interest.
“No nation can successfully industrialise through a bureaucracy held down by corruption, patronage, and institutional mistrust,” he said.
From left, Professor Pamela Maseko, Councillor Nobathembu Koko, Dr Palesa Mothapo, Dr Amina Jakoet-Salie and Arnold Nethonzhe
Municipal councillor in Nelson Mandela Bay and Mandela University alumna, Nobathembu Koko, spoke candidly about the realities and challenges facing local government.
Koko highlighted the tension municipalities face between urgent service delivery demands and long-term local economic development priorities.
“Local economic development is frequently elevated in rhetoric, yet marginal in practice and our municipality is a good example of what a coalition government should not look like,” she said.
The councillor stressed that municipalities must create conditions for inclusive participation in local economies, particularly for young people, women and historically excluded communities.
“A developmental state at local level must balance immediacy with foresight,” she noted, adding that sustainable governance depends not only on systems, but also on values and moral leadership.
The third guest speaker, Dr Palesa Mothapo, Director of Research Support and Management at Mandela University, focused on the relationship between research, innovation and economic development.
She raised concerns about the growing number of unemployed graduates and postdoctoral scholars despite increasing levels of academic output and research activity.
Dr Mothapo called for stronger collaboration between universities, industry, government and communities to ensure research has meaningful societal impact.
The event also marked the official launch of the SAAPAM Student Chapter, aimed at creating a platform for networking, mentorship, professional development and ethical leadership among students interested in public administration and governance.
Chairperson of the student chapter, Arnold Nethonzhe, described the initiative as an important space for preparing students for leadership and public service beyond the classroom.
He also highlighted the society’s affiliation with the national SAAPAM body and explained that the chapter aligns with the University’s values of diversity and inclusion.
Executive Director of SAAPAM, Prof John Molepo, encouraged students to take full advantage of opportunities offered through the association, including conferences, networking, and professional engagement.
The event reinforced Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to advancing ethical leadership, governance and transformative education in service of society.