by Kgaugelo Selane and Arnold Nkuna
In a landmark collaboration set to redefine higher education in Africa, the National School of Government (NSG) and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Pretoria Campus on 4 July 2024.
The agreement marks the launch of Africa’s first ever Postgraduate Diploma in Public Affairs and African Governance, aimed at elevating governance standards and professionalising public servants across partner countries.
TUT’s Executive Dean of Humanities Prof. Maserumule, emphasised the University's commitment to accessible and practical education aligning with the African Union's Agenda 2063. "We are dedicated to creating a people's university, where everyone has access to affordable and practical knowledge," he said.
He also explained that the Postgraduate Diploma in African Governance is the first of its own kind and it is designed to enhance the capacity of African public administration. "TUT was selected from various universities in Africa to design the programme, which is the initiative of the African Management Development Institute Network (AMDIN) - an association of schools of government on the African continent. This gives TUT an opportunity to contribute, in the most direct way, towards building state capacity on the African continent. Over time, we have been doing the same in the country through the National School of Government, which was to the extent of training more 8000 public servants in the last ten years since we partnered with NSG in this important effort to build a capable and developmental state. We are honoured to have been given an opportunity to replicate this at a continental level. All of this gives meaning to our existential essence of being a people’s university that makes knowledge work," added Prof Maserumela.
Prof Busani Ngcaweni, Principal of the National School of Government (NSG), praised TUT's resilience in securing the partnership, saying, "This qualification will allow interaction among African public servants, going beyond formal meetings. Students will engage in immersive experiences, tackling governance challenges from diverse perspectives. He added that the qualification is not merely about academic achievement but about building a new generation of leaders equipped to drive meaningful change across Africa.
The programme's unique humanities focus and its pioneering nature in the African educational landscape highlights TUT’s role in shaping future-ready graduates capable of positively impacting society. It also signifies an important moment in African higher education, promising to set a new standard in public affairs and governance education. As Africa prepares to meet the challenges of the 21st century, partnerships like this emphasis the continent's commitment to nurturing skilled leaders capable of steering Africa towards a prosperous future.
Prof Maserumule and Prof Busani seal the signing of the MoU with a hand shake.
Team work made the dream come true. The team involved in the signing of the MoU that marks the launch of Africa’s first ever Postgraduate Diploma in Public Affairs and African Governance, aimed at elevating governance standards and professionalising public servants across partner countries.