by Ntsika Tshangela
The 24th Annual South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) Conference brought together some of the country’s most influential leaders, scholars and public service practitioners in Thohoyandou to confront one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges: building a capable, ethical and people-centered state.
The five-day gathering, themed “Building State Capacity: Prospects and Challenges”, opened with a vibrant welcome cocktail at the Premier Hotel where Programme Director Gabriel Temudzani, known as Azwindini Mukwevho from Muvhango, set the tone for an engaging week. SAAPAM President, Prof Kgothatso Shai, also shared the exciting news that the association is now formally recognised as a professional body by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), a milestone for the discipline.
Thulamela Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr AS Rambuda, encouraged delegates to use the conference to contribute to strengthening South Africa’s public sector, while TUT’s Executive Dean from the Faculty of Humanities, Prof Mashupye Maserumule, praised SAAPAM’s role in shaping scholarship and governance.
Thulamela Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr AS Rambuda, delivering the opening address at the conference
Pinky Kekana, Deputy Minister of Public Administration, highlighted the urgent need to professionalise the public service, reminding delegates that “only a capable, efficient, ethical and development-oriented state can deliver on the commitment to improve the lives of the people.”
The momentum carried into Day 2, chaired by SAAPAM Vice President, Prof Nokukhanya Jili-Mbanjwa. Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Limpopo Premier, delivered a powerful call for ethical leadership and practical research that drives real outcomes, asking: “Do we research for titles, or do we research to assist the state to run its day-to-day work?”
Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, in a message delivered on his behalf, praised SAAPAM for its SAQA recognition and its role in shaping a professional public service. Former Minister Naledi Pandor, delivered the annual Professor Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo Lecture, honouring his legacy while reflecting on the pressing global and local governance challenges of today.
During the conference, former President, Kgalema Motlanthe, received the SAAPAM Public Service Award for his lifelong contribution to ethical leadership
Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Limpopo Premier, with Prof Kgothatso Shai
On Day 3 the focus shifted to accountability and data-driven governance. Risenga Maluleke, Statistician-General, highlighted the importance of inclusive census data, while Auditor-General, Tsakani Maluleke stressed that audit outcomes must reflect the lived realities of citizens. A Municipal Managers Panel drove home the challenges and opportunities of professionalising local government, with leaders emphasising the need to bridge gaps between academic theory and the practical realities of municipalities.
Day 4 brought a sharp focus on ethics and leadership. Dr Mmusi Maimane argued for reforms including entrance exams for civil servants and minimum qualifications for politicians, while Public Protector, Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka, warned against recycling corrupt officials across municipalities. International scholar, Prof James H. Armstead, emphasised practical leadership skills while Prof Maserumule cautioned that degrees without values are meaningless. Public service veteran Prof Halima Khunoethe urged delegates to measure progress by service delivery outcomes, asking, “Are we realising service delivery for our people?”
Public Protector, Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka, warned against recycling corrupt officials across municipalities.
The conference concluded with the recognition of former President Kgalema Motlanthe, who was honoured with the SAAPAM Public Service Award for his lifelong contributions to ethical leadership. In his acceptance, Motlanthe stressed integrity and accountability as non-negotiables for building a capable state. Prof John Molepo, TUT scholar and SAAPAM executive director, announced the development of policy groups to ensure the conference outcomes translate into actionable policy briefs for government.
Academic contributions also shone, with TUT’s Mamonare Malapane highlighting the role of historically disadvantaged universities in driving regional development and preparing youth for the labour market.
As SAAPAM expressed gratitude to delegates for making the event one of the biggest in its history, the message was clear: building a capable and ethical state requires not only research and debate but also practical solutions, strong ethics and collaborative commitment to service delivery.
Auditor-General, Tsakani Maluleke, with Risenga Maluleke, Statistician-General, who highlighted the importance of inclusive census data.
Delegates attending the 24th Annual SAAPAM Conference
5 Key Takeaways from SAAPAM 2025
- 📊 Professionalisation matters Recognition by SAQA marks a milestone for SAAPAM and signals the need for an ethical, skilled public service.
- 🧭 Ethical leadership is non-negotiable From Premier Phophi Ramathuba to Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, speakers emphasised that competence without ethics undermines state capacity.
- 📚 Research must meet practice Delegates called on academics to focus on practical solutions that address day-to-day challenges in municipalities and government.
- 📈 Data and accountability drive trust Accurate statistics and transparent audits are essential to reflect and improve the lived realities of citizens.
- 🌍 Building a capable state is collective work From local to global perspectives, leaders stressed that aligning skills, values and service delivery is the only way to transform South Africa.