TUT Dean Of Humanities Discusses Capable – Ethical And Democratic States In Africa

TUT Dean Of Humanities Discusses Capable – Ethical And Democratic States In Africa. Professor Mashupye Maserumule, Executive Dean at the Faculty of Humanities at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), made significant contributions during the recent African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) roundtable conference held in Uganda. Representing South Africa, Prof. Maserumule played a pivotal role in discussions that aimed to shape the future of governance in Africa.
This high-profile event was attended by ministers, senior government officials, and academic leaders from across Africa, as well as delegates from Europe and the Americas. Themed “Agile and Resilient Public Administration for Sustainable Development in Africa,” the conference highlighted the critical role of governance in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth on the continent.
Investing in Youth
During his plenary address, Prof. Maserumule emphasized the need for African states to focus on building capable, ethical, and democratic governance structures. Central to his message was the assertion that young people, who constitute over 60% of Africa’s population, are the continent’s most valuable resource.
He described Africa’s youth as a “demographic dividend,” noting their technological savviness and potential to drive innovation and progress. Prof. Maserumule called for strategic investments in education, skills development, and leadership opportunities for young people, as these efforts would lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable development across the continent.
This perspective was widely praised and was incorporated into the conference resolutions, underscoring the importance of youth-centric policies in fostering resilience and growth in African states.
Participants and Insights
The event was inaugurated by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who stressed the importance of adaptive governance in navigating Africa’s modern challenges. Other notable participants included representatives from the South African Department of Public Service and Administration, the Department of Monitoring, Planning, and Evaluation in the Presidency, and the Public Service Commission.
The discussions provided practical tools and insights to enhance public administration, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for sustainable and inclusive governance across the continent.
Key Highlights of the AAPAM Conference
Topic | Key Insights |
---|---|
Importance of Youth Investment | Young people are Africa’s greatest asset and should be empowered for sustainable growth. |
Role of Public Administration | Public administration must evolve to address complexities in governance. |
Cross-continental Collaboration | African nations need to strengthen partnerships to share knowledge and resources. |
Strengthening Academic Collaboration in Africa
On the sidelines of the conference, Prof. Maserumule joined other esteemed academics, including Professor Ricky Mukonza and Dr. Robert Nkuna, for strategic discussions with leaders from Makerere University and Uganda Management Institute.
The meetings, also attended by Professors John Molepo and Kgothatso Shai from the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM), explored opportunities to enhance cooperation among African universities. Discussions centered on areas such as:
- Collaborative research initiatives
- Academic exchange programs
- Development of governance-focused curricula
These efforts aim to formalize partnerships through memoranda of understanding, fostering stronger ties and knowledge-sharing between institutions.
Driving Resilience Through Public Administration
The conference underscored the critical role of public administration in building agile and resilient governance frameworks. By equipping African leaders with innovative strategies, the event aimed to empower governments to navigate complex challenges while ensuring equitable development for all.
This focus aligns with broader continental goals, such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and integrated Africa driven by its citizens.
Conclusion
The contributions of Prof. Mashupye Maserumule and other South African delegates at the AAPAM roundtable conference were instrumental in shaping discussions on governance, youth empowerment, and collaboration in Africa. The event highlighted the need for innovative public administration practices and strategic investments in the continent’s greatest resource—its youth.