by Phaphama Tshisikhawe
On 26 - 29 November 2024, Professor Mashupye Maserumule, Executive Dean at the Faculty of Humanities formed part of the South African delegation in Uganda that participated in a roundtable conference of the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM). The delegation was led by the South Africa’s Department of Public Service and Public Administration, and the Department of Monitoring, Planning and Evaluation in the Presidency.
Prof Maserumule gave a plenary address, where he reflected on capable, ethical, and democratic states in Africa. His message, which was well-received, was that, in order for our African states to succeed in building the capacity of their states, they need to invest in young people. He argued that this cohort, which makes more than 60% of the continent’s population and technologically savvy, constitute a demographic dividend that needs to be strategically harnessed for Africa’s sustainable development. Consequently, his input became one of the resolutions, which emphasised that African countries must invest in the youth for the continent’s sustainable futures.
Themed: “agile and resilient Public Administration for sustainable development in Africa”, the Public Service Commission was also a key participant in the Conference.
The President of the Republic of Uganda, Mr Yoweri Museveni, opened the conference, which was attended by ministers and senior government officials from all African countries, including delegates from Europe, North and South America.
The conference was organised to equip African nations with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern governance, ensuring that public administration acts as a cornerstone for sustainable and inclusive growth.
On the sideline of the conference, Professor Maserumule, accompanied by Professor Ricky Mukonza, Dr Robert Nkuna, Director-General of the Department of Monitoring, Planning and Evaluation in the Presidency, Professors John Molepo and Kgothatso Shai of the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) met with the Vice-Chancellor of the Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, and the leadership of Uganda Management Institute, for strategic discussions on enhancing collaboration among universities in Africa.
Prof Mashupye Maseremule, Executive Dean at the Faculty of Humanities fielding questions during his plenary address at the AAPAM Roundtable Conference in Uganda.
The discussion explored various areas of cooperation to be formalised through memoranda of understanding.
From Left: Prof John Molepo (SAAPAM), Prof Mashupye Maseremule, Dr Robert
Nkuna, Director General at DPME and the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere
University, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe.
Prof Maseremule and delegates visiting the Uganda Management Institute.