Prof Zwelinzima Ndevu, Director of the School of Public Leadership in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, delivered his inaugural lecture on Tuesday 5 November 2024. The title of his lecture was “Ambidexterity in public-service leadership: A case study of South Africa's Government of National Unity".
Ndevu spoke to the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division about the importance of professionalising the public sector for effective service delivery.
Tell us more about your research and why you became interested in this specific field.
My research focuses on how public service institution's function. The idea is to understand the performance of the three spheres of government. The aim of my research is to make a positive impact on society by focusing on public leadership, performance management and ethics in the public sector. My interest was mainly driven by the realisation that public service is a very important enabler, and it has a crucial role in service delivery (basic services) to our communities. The reports of the Auditor-General every year paint a very disturbing picture of the sector, which was a worry for me and created the need to do something about this issue.
How would you describe the relevance of your work?
My work helps public service, officials, and ordinary citizens to understand how government should function.
How can public-service officials in South Africa balance competing demands for radical and incremental change?
We need to support the professionalisation of public service officials, which includes the development of requisite competences such as skills, norms, and values, so that they can be effective, efficient and be able to use public resources in the most economical and responsible way with high impact delivery. As universities and academics, we can support this initiative by capacitating officials in the public sector through vocational qualifications and ensure that our graduates are fit for purpose by teaching relevant curriculum in our programmes.
Why is it important for our public-service officials and leaders to be both politically and administratively skilled?
A competent public service means an efficient and productive employee who is resourceful and understands the mandate to deliver services according to the needs of the people.
Based on your extensive research, what should be done to improve public leadership in South Africa?
In order for us to address the quality of leadership challenges in the public service, public officials and politicians should meet the minimum requirements, skills and competencies of their jobs. This will help to professionalise the sector.
You have spent many years in the challenging environment of higher education. What keeps you motivated when things get tough?
The sector is dynamic, challenging with many opportunities chief amongst them is the engagement with students from first year to postgraduate level. Seeing them grow and mature during their studies is the best feeling. What keeps me motivated in the sector is the freedom to express myself and offer my opinion without fear.
What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?
Interacting with my students, sharing ideas with colleagues and learning from others' research focus areas.
Tell us something exciting about yourself that people would not expect.
I like my space.
How do you spend your free time?
Watching sport and reading.
?
