| Growing tomorrow’s leaders today | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10177 | | Growing tomorrow’s leaders today | SPL Marketing | <p></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Governments around the world are being confronted with unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The convergence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, augmented reality and biotechnology and nanotechnology have the potential to transform the economy, society, and government for the better. On the other hand, the declining democratic legitimacy of governments around the world and the looming climate change threat pose global threats. In South Africa, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the loadshedding crisis, state capture and the escalating socioeconomic issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality intensify these challenges.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In many instances, the binding constraints is not a lack of finances as evidenced by high levels of underspending, but the absence of competent, effective, accountable, and ethical appointed and elected officials across the three spheres of government and public entities and the inability to implement policies and programmes.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">With South Africa at a pivotal crossroads in its democratic development destiny there is an unparalleled urgency to bolster state capacity and nurture a cohort of ethical public leaders with a nuanced understanding of inter-related public policy challenges facing the South African economy and broader society. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">On 19 October 2022, Cabinet approved <em>The National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector</em> which aims to ensure a “responsive, meritocratic, and professional public administration in the service of the people." </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>Responsiveness</em> refers to the ability to promptly address the needs, concerns, and preferences of the citizens it serves. In a responsive public administration, government agencies and officials actively engage with the public, listen to their feedback, and adapt policies and services accordingly. Responsiveness implies a willingness to adjust strategies based on changing circumstances and evolving public demands, fostering a sense of trust and engagement between government and the citizens.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Merit-based" refers to a system where positions, opportunities, and rewards are distributed based on an individual's skills, qualifications, and demonstrated performance, rather than on factors like social status or personal connections. In a meritocratic public administration, recruitment, hiring, and advancement are guided by the principle that individuals with the most relevant skills and capabilities should be given responsibilities and leadership roles.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Professionalism refers to adherence to high standards of expertise, ethics, and conduct. A professional public administration prioritizes competence, integrity, and accountability in its operations. Professionals in public administration are expected to possess specialized knowledge, adhere to codes of ethics, and uphold transparency in their decisions and actions.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">A <em>public service ethic</em> underscores the primary mission of public administration: to serve the interests and well-being of the citizens and communities it serves. A public administration that is "in the service of the people" is focused on improving public welfare, promoting social justice, and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. It emphasizes citizen engagement, inclusivity, and delivering services that address societal needs and challenges and progressively realize socio-economic rights. A public administration "in the service of the people" strives to create a positive impact by providing efficient services, formulating, and implementing policies that benefit society, and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all segments of society. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">One of the fundamental cornerstones in realizing the aims set out by the National Professional Framework involves cultivating a culture and ethos of perpetual learning and ongoing professional development across the public service.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In this context, the academic programmes of School of Public Leadership (SPL) play a pivotal role in supporting the development of South African and African public leaders. At SPL, we are dedicated to equipping graduates with the essential skills and knowledge required to assume prominent positions within public and civic organizations and use their authority to lead positive change. These empowered individuals are primed to address intricate developmental and governance challenges while remaining committed to serving the needs of the people.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The SPL is committed to community-relevant, internationally, and nationally competitive, academic, and professional teaching, research, and provision of services in the fields of planning, public policy analysis, public finance management, development, and environmental management, aimed at the promotion of sustainable development in a participative and fair manner. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">To this end, the teaching, research, consulting, and community work programmes of the School are designed to foster professional excellence, social entrepreneurship, reflective leadership, effective and resilient management, and the competencies needed to work within complex, multi-disciplinary, networked and diverse operating environments.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Our course content is designed through rigorous research grounded in theory and practice to provide a holistic understanding of the complex governance challenges of our times. With seasoned scholars and experts, we offer an immersive learning journey that combines theoretical insights with hands-on application.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The SPL is the only school in South Africa that combines all three pillars of effective public leadership, in relation to good governance, environmental management and sustainable development in one package: </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>Public Governance</em>, focuses on equipping students with competencies in a wide array of critical aspects, including leadership, public policy analysis, organizational dynamics, efficient service delivery strategies, public finance management, ethics and accountability frameworks, rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices within the public service sector.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>Environmental Management</em> builds students competencies to respond to the pressing need for ecological sustainability amid escalating demands on natural resources. Our courses provide a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary examination of environmental management. This encompasses the strategic balance between development and environmental preservation, preparing students to address complex environmental challenges. </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>Sustainable Development</em>, our trans-disciplinary approach to sustainable development empowers students to explore the pathways leading towards an environmentally sustainable future for all. Through our courses, individuals gain a profound understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of sustainable development, enabling them to contribute positively to the creation of equitable, inclusive, and environmentally conscious societies. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Our formal programmes provide tailored learning opportunities. Recognising the diverse needs of our students, we offer flexible hybrid teaching and learning options to suit various career stages. Combining stimulating face to face contact sessions with the convenience of self-paced online learning.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The public service is at a pivotal juncture, demanding visionary leaders and managers who can navigate complex policy landscapes and drive positive change. With our comprehensive formal programmes, you can acquire and build on the competencies necessary to make a positive difference for the betterment of society as envisioned in our Constitution. </p><p>Enrol today to embark on a transformative journey of growth, empowerment, and meaningful public service in service of our people. </p><p>For more information, please visit http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/economy/spl/degree-programmes/formal-programmes</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Email: enquiries@spl.sun.ac.za </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Call: 021 918 4122 </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-align:justify;">Article also available on the <a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-09-04-growing-tomorrows-leaders-today/?token=MEdjczVNYUpZeFBuZmN2SkdvQUJXRkNnVGN4VS9kd2p3RlVlOWxsbTRMNzdYS3RxOVRGL1hqQmwybDN6YnlWWm0zV2hib2F4QnhCaVV5VTR4R29jWUgxODhGNFoyWWlFbUVlUGFTY3RrUkVjWWI2eTdxOVJvMGxxcnhiZzZqcUlYYnRzcDl2dXM5d041STZLRGRueW9BPT0=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=First%20Thing%2011%20September%202023&utm_content=First%20Thing%2011%20September%202023+CID_1767a391c04b2d138fe2c773854fb522&utm_source=TouchBasePro&utm_term=Sponsored%20Content%20Growing%20tomorrows%20leaders%20today">Daily Maverick </a></span><br><br></p><p><br></p> |
| SPL PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION HONOURS CONTACT WEEK | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10029 | | SPL PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION HONOURS CONTACT WEEK | SPL Marketing Reporter | <p><br><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">From 19 to 23<sup>rd</sup> June 2023 the School of Public Leadership (SPL) hosted an enriching and insightful contact week for the Honours in Public Administration students at the Bellville Park campus. This event brought together students from different provinces, SPL lecturers and various guest lecturers to explore and discuss contemporary issues, share knowledge, and foster connections.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The contact week session provided an opportunity for students to delve into the intricacies of public administration and to better understand their role as practitioners and change agents to improve public policy and programme implementation. During the contact week sessions, students had the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions, case studies, and group activities allowing for dynamic and immersive learning experiences. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The honours program offers the following modules:</p><ul><li>Public Policy, Leadership and Change Management, Financial Management and Cost Accounting, Sustainable Development, People Management, Information and Communication Technology, Political Governance, Local Governance, Organizational Design, Economic Governance, Project Management and Research. </li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;">These modules equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in public administration and management.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I enjoyed the contact week sessions, they were very informative.," said Claire Van der Poll a 38-year-old female from Cape Town. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">She said the contact week sessions were valuable and a great experience to learn from knowledgeable and informed professors. Furthermore, the Honours in Public Administration program has provided her with additional insight and knowledge that is applicable to her immediate work context. The programme is relatable and provides definite benefit to employees in the public sector said Van de Poll.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Honours programme of the SPL is specifically designed for the learn-and-earn market. Students attend a two-week contact week in either Bellville or Tshwane in February, followed by another week June. This is supplemented by synchronous TEAMS based sessions and asynchronous learning opportunities on the Sunlearn learning platform. The programme covers a wide range of modules presented by highly knowledgeable professors and guest lecturers to equip students with theoretical and practical skills needed for advancement to middle and senior management in the public sector. <br></p><p><br></p> |
| #SUGRAD | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9668 | | #SUGRAD | SPL Media Reporter | <p>This month School of Public Leadership - SPL is celebrating the graduation of a number of our students. We would like to congratulate the following persons on their graduation:<br></p><p></p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-2"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-2"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-2" style="width:50%;"><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Diploma </span></strong><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">i</span></strong><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">n Sustainable Development</span></strong><br><ul><li>Adam, Gafsa<br></li><li>Bhembe, Nomonde </li><li>Bruneau, Joel Olivier<br></li><li>Fairbairn, Pascale Cameron</li><li>Gerber, Daniëlle</li><li>Jacobs, Devan Brett</li><li>Mankwe, Tshwanelo</li><li>Mclean, Fin</li><li>Molewa, Nthabiseng</li><li>Muchanyara, Hackenzie</li><li>Perrot-Baar, Manon</li><li>Roziers, Joshua Paul</li><li>Shirilele, Reneilwe Nyeleti Bianca</li><li>Skweyiya, Lutho</li><li>Wichmann, Dylan Gerhard</li></ul><div><br></div><div><div><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Diploma in Public Accountability</span></strong></div><div><ul><li>Beukes, Joy Rosaline</li><li>Daniels, Agatha Margaret (cum laude)</li><li>De Villiers, Louw (cum laude)</li><li>Du Toit, Elicia Carla (cum laude)</li><li>Koopman, Barbara Laurika</li><li>Louw, Dorian Audrey</li><li>Middleton, Marzaan (cum laude)</li><li>Mothekhe, Ruth Motetekoane</li><li>Pillay, Justin Derrick</li><li>Rubel, Raheema Theresa Edelquin (cum laude)</li><li>Sauls, Lenotre Rowayne</li><li>Smith, Jeanine</li><li>Stanfield, Janine Gail</li><li>Van Stavel, Lester Henry</li></ul></div><div><br><strong style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#61223b;color:#61223b;">Advanced Diploma in Public Accountability</strong><div><ul><li>Barends, Leighton Bruvaughn</li><li>Basha, Moegamat Yusuf</li><li>Dampies, Enola Edwina</li><li>De Bruin, Frederick Johannes</li><li>Diedericks, Rene</li><li>Fieties, Juron Jacques</li><li>Flanders Jakoet, Gadija</li><li>Ford, Angelo</li><li>Görgens, Paul David</li><li>Hartnick, Carmen</li><li>Kader, Zaynab</li><li>Kruger, Devon</li><li>Lekay, Romano Italio</li><li>Letsatsi, Modise Lesley</li><li>Madaat, Azelia Kim</li><li>Magadla, Mlisela Busobengwe</li><li>Makwe, Lutho Leonda</li><li>Malgas, Alfonso Anthony</li><li>Mbane, Ncedo Patric</li><li>Moses, Ricardo Vincent</li><li>Mtumtum, Zwelethu</li><li>O'Shea, Nicolette Francine</li><li>Oodit, Sharlaine</li><li>Pitso, Kgomotso Patience</li><li>Piyose-Jongile, Nolusindiso</li><li>Plaatjies, Bulelwa</li><li>Radu, Mzoxolo</li><li>Rhode, Alisha Deneaca</li><li>Scholtz, Lungisa Ka Senzwa</li><li>Sherry, Jovonne Alexandria</li><li>Soloman, Arthur Michael</li><li>Stemmet, Ashnique (cum laude)</li><li>Terry Thomas, Wilma</li></ul></div></div></div><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-2" style="width:50%;"><div><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Bachelor of Public Administration Honours</span></strong></div><div><ul><li>Abdurahman, Emeraldine Una</li><li>Clayton, Ryan (cum laude)</li><li>Gcabashe, Majorie Lorraine Amanda</li><li>Kekana, Mmathuto Maxine</li><li>Malesa, Johannes Chamberlain Mogale</li><li>Mbambezeli, Ntsikelelo Giles</li><li>Mdlalo, Alupheli Lunje</li><li>Mopai, Mokibelo David</li><li>Ndyelart, Enoque Jose</li><li>Noble, Alfonzo Wilfred</li><li>Solomons, Jason</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong></strong><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Bachelor of Commerce Honours</span></strong><br></div><div><ul><li>Adams, Kay-Dee (Public and Development Management) (cum laude)</li><li>Lubasi, Justin Mwandamena (Public and Development Management)</li><li>Morenammele, Rorisang Kananelo (Public and Development Management)</li><li>September, Steve Colin (Public and Development Management)</li></ul></div><div><div><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Postgraduate Diploma in Public Finance Management</span></strong><br></div><div><ul><li>Aphane, Obed Matsobane (cum laude)</li><li>Dosi, Lusindiso</li><li>Fritz, Gershwin Jaene</li><li>Jacobs, Chantal Joy</li><li>Johannessen, Michelle Margo (cum laude)</li><li>Kruger, Gail Berenice (cum laude)</li><li>Latief, Rafieq</li><li>Matthyse, Charlton Mario</li><li>Mbeki, Veliswa</li><li>Mbuyazi, Sydney Skhumbuzo</li><li>Mgezi, Khululekani</li><li>Mnisi, Mzikawande Richard</li><li>Moepi, Boitumelo Lucas (cum laude)</li><li>Ndika, Sandiso</li><li>Roode, Donavan</li><li>Ruiters, Curlen John</li><li>Wilson, Liezel Lynn<br></li></ul></div><div><div><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;"><br></span></strong></div><div><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management</span></strong><br></div><div><ul><li>Ankama, Ankama Nadagho</li><li>Hlwayi, Babalo Dennie</li><li>Josias, Lauren (cum laude)</li><li>Kafula, Ngonyothi</li><li>Klaasen, Michelle</li><li>Madyibi, Khumbulani</li><li>Maqungo, Esona Usiphile</li><li>Masela, Zandile</li><li>Meyer, Asheerah</li><li>Mnukwa, Sinethemba</li><li>Moela, Desiree Keitumetse</li><li>Mouries, Tarryn Abby</li><li>Ndlovu, Joram</li><li>Ntsangani, Abongile</li><li>Ovies, Christopher Carlos</li><li>Potter, Jack Michael</li><li>Sehlabi, Rethabile Innocentia</li><li>Van Aardt, Nelise (cum laude)</li><li>Van Harte, Kauthar<br></li></ul><div><div><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;"><br></span></strong></div><div><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Master of Public Administration</span></strong></div><div><ul><li>Hintsa, Lalelani</li><li>Saungweme, Lister</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Master of Philosophy</span></strong><br></div><div><ul><li>Abelheim, Jonathan Luke Duncan (Environmental Management) (cum laude)</li><li>Farmer, Jacklyn (Environmental Management) (cum laude)</li><li>Xotyeni, Akhona Lerato (Environmental Management)<br><br></li></ul></div><div><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Master of Commerce</span></strong></div><div><ul><li>Blaauw, Carol (Public and Development Management)</li><li>Van Zyl, Sune (Public and Development Management) (cum laude)</li></ul></div><div><br><strong style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;">Doctor of Philosophy</span></strong><br><div><ul><li>Achameesing, Bhoopun Kumar Amit Kooshal (Development Finance)</li><li>Banda-Thole, Chikondi Hansini (Public and Development Management)</li><li>Chicombo, Adélia Filosa Francisco (Public and Development Management)</li><li>Elsherif, Reem Hesham Ahmed Wafai Ali (Development Finance)</li><li>Gebrihet, Hafte Gebreselassie (Public and Development Management)</li><li>Kadhila, Timoteus (Public and Development Management)</li><li>Koorts, Christie (Business Management and Administration)</li><li>Oosthuizen, Jacobus Hendrik (Business Management and Administration)</li><li>Simuchimba, Grant (Public and Development Management)<br><br><br></li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table> |
| SPL In Partnership With WC Department of Local Government and HSF Rolls Out District-based Councillor Training | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9586 | | SPL In Partnership With WC Department of Local Government and HSF Rolls Out District-based Councillor Training | SPL Media Reporter | <p><br><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On Tuesday, 04 October 2022, the Stellenbosch University School of Public Leadership (SPL) in partnership with the Western Cape Government and Hanns Seidel Foundation launched their annual Councillor Seasonal Schools in George. This series of one-day workshops is facilitated by lecturers from Stellenbosch University, School of Public Leadership under the theme, 'How to maintain public accountability to ensure effective and efficient service delivery towards communities.'</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The key objectives of the workshops are to provide democratic and accountable government for local communities, ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner, promote social and economic development, promote safe and healthy environments and to encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the affairs of local government. More Specifically the workshops aim to equip the councillors with the necessary skills to be able to perform their tasks in their respective roles. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">As custodians of the local government sphere Councillors navigating its complexities through, amongst others, resilience and partnerships. Councillors are encouraged to enjoy this learning opportunity and inform the Department, Stellenbosch University and the Hanns Seidel Foundation of any remaining learning needs that they require assistance with.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The workshops were held in all five districts over a period of three weeks and attended by Councillors nominated from Local and District Municipalities. These workshops form part of the Department's individual capacity building drive, to ensure improved governance, accountability to and relations between government and its citizens. Certificates of Attendance are issued to each Councillors in attendance. Topics covered at the workshop Series for October 2022, included a presentation on Public Accountability: A Local Government Perspective and The Local Government Video Series developed by the Civics Academy, which aims to explore how local government functions and how South Africans, as responsive citizens, can engage it. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><img alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p><br></p> |
| Middle Management Mentoring and Coaching Programme for Local Government | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9587 | | Middle Management Mentoring and Coaching Programme for Local Government | SPL Media Reporter | <p></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On Wednesday 21 September 2022, selected Mentors (Municipal Managers) and Mentees came together for a one-day Orientation Workshop on the Stellenbosch University Bellville Park Campus for the Middle Management Mentoring and Coaching Programme. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The aim of the programme is to further advance and develop the career of middle managers and to ensure the systematic transfer of skills, knowledge, behaviours and attitudes from Municipal Managers and Section 56 Managers to middle managers. This programme is funded by the Hanns Seidel Foundation (a long-standing partner of both the Department and Stellenbosch University) and coordinated by the University of Stellenbosch, School of Public Leadership together with the Department. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">During the workshop Mentees were introduced to, amongst others: </p><ul><li>The similarities and differences between mentoring and coaching;</li><li>Assessing your mentoring and coaching skills;</li><li>The benefits of basic qualities and mental models;</li><li>Communication: the glue for mentoring and coaching; and</li><li>Applying mentoring and coaching at work.</li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;">The Mentoring and Coaching Programme will be spread over 7 months entailing individual sessions where mentees will be spending 3 days in a month at another municipality. Both Mentors and Mentees will be required to write a report on each mentoring visit and the mentors have to provide reports on the mentees. Reports will be evaluated by the Project Coordinator. A closing seminar will be held with the mentees and mentors.<br><br></p> |
| SPL and Department of Business Management Colleagues win Best PREDAC (Professional Educational Development of | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9589 | | SPL and Department of Business Management Colleagues win Best PREDAC (Professional Educational Development of | SPL Media Reporter | <p><img src="/english/faculty/economy/spl/SPL%20Library/PREDAC.png" alt="" style="margin:0px;width:741px;height:499px;" /><br><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Procrastination is the thief of time by Melissa Botha and Kerotse Kekana (School of Public Leadership) and Sabrina Matthee (Department of Business Management) </strong></p><p><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Conference, Re-imagining assessment culture and practices for a transforming student experience, was presented on 24 - 25 October 2022. The faculty was very well presented both as delegates and presenters. The presentations were of a high standard and the interactions were valuable. SPL staff members were recognised with the following awards: <br><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Best PREDAC Poster: Procrastination is the thief of time by Melissa Botha and Kerotse Kekana (School of Public Leadership) and Sabrina Matthee (Department of Business Management) – TLA Book prize.<br><br></p><p>We would like to congratulate our colleagues on the great achievement.<br></p><div><br><br></div><div><table cellspacing="0" class="ms-rteTable-0" style="width:970.99px;"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0" style="text-align:center;"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:310.017px;"><img src="/english/faculty/economy/spl/SPL%20Library/Sabrina%20Matthee.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:255px;" /><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:313.247px;"><img src="/english/faculty/economy/spl/SPL%20Library/Kerotse%20K.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:255px;" /><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:313.281px;"><img src="/english/faculty/economy/spl/SPL%20Library/Melissa%20B.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:255px;height:255px;" /><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:310.017px;"><div style="text-align:center;"><strong>Ms. Sabrina Matthee</strong></div><div style="text-align:center;"><strong>(Department of Business Management)</strong></div></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="text-align:center;"><div><strong> </strong><strong>Ms. Kerotse Kekana</strong></div><div><strong>(School of Public Leadership)</strong></div></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="text-align:center;"><div><strong> </strong><strong>Ms. Melissa Botha</strong></div><div><strong>(School of Public Leadership)</strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br></p><p><img src="/english/faculty/economy/spl/SPL%20Library/PREDAC.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:961px;height:631px;" /><br><strong>To view the poster presentation on the SPL main webpage: </strong><a href="/english/faculty/economy/spl"><strong>https://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/economy/spl</strong></a><br><br></p></div> |
| Young alumnus wins competition for entrepreneurs | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9473 | | Young alumnus wins competition for entrepreneurs | Daniel Bugan | <p></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">Former Diploma in Sustainable Development student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Lindelwa Mahlalela, has the world at her feet. She was recently crowned the winner of the Motsepe Foundation's inaugural Golden Circle competition for the social exploits of her online business LeeConnect. She started the business from a public library in 2018.<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">Golden Circle is a platform for young, semi-established entrepreneurs who are searching for capital injections and looking to build national and international networks that will expand their impact and their capacity to do good. The competition received over 80 entries. The final three had to present their business case to judges Allan Raiz, Brain Dames, Brian Smith, Herman Singh and Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa. The winner was chosen based on strict criteria, including the ability of the business to address a social need and ensure financial sustainability.<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">Mahlalela said the competition gave her the opportunity to showcase the services that LeeConnect offer and the great social need that they are trying to alleviate. LeeConnect assists Grade 12 learners with university, college and bursary applications; career guidance; mentorship and extra classes to improve their marks.</p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">“Winning the competition has given me confidence that there's hope and opportunities to take the business to an even bigger scale and help more learners. This is a great milestone that has elevated our standards of service and has given us the financial support we need to move to greater heights."<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">As the winner, Mahlalela walked away with a cash prize of R80 000 and business mentorship and support from the Motsepe Foundation.</p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">Mahlalela, who was part of the second cohort of Diploma in Sustainable Development students in 2019 and graduated in 2021, said her studies have armed her with the necessary skills and information to not only be successful in this competition but also in her business.<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">“We used to do presentations which enabled me to enhance my skills and stand out from the crowd. Everything that we did was more practical than theoretical, and that's how it is in business, you have to implement. Design thinking has enabled me to come up with creative solutions to the challenges that we have faced as an online business, such as gaining the trust and understanding of your customers."<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">Her future plans for the business include scaling it to a level where they are able to not only inspire Grade 12 learners but also graduates who are seeking learning opportunities to acquire skills and experience. <br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">She recently registered at the University of South Africa for a BA in International Relations “because I want to expand LeeConnect in other African countries". She is also a qualified information technology technician.</p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">But the Matie alumna's talents and passion hasn't just been confined to the entrepreneurial space. She also recently worked as an educator assistant at Salubindza Primary School in the Mpumalanga Province.</p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">“I am passionate about education and it is my goal to educate people worldwide to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams," she said. “This job gave me the opportunity to plan educational events for primary school children, to make learning fun and to enhance their skills and talents outside the classroom."<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">She thanked her mother, Thobile Hlatshwayo, for supporting her dreams and helping her become the woman she is today.<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">The three-year Diploma in Sustainable Development is offered by the School of Public Leadership to ground students in principles of sustainability and entrepreneurship for future social impact and ecological restoration. The programme provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in areas such as sustainable technologies, complexity and ecology, social entrepreneurship, leadership development, social activation, small business management skills, creativity and storytelling.<br></p><div style="background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;"><ul style="color:#333333;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica, arial, sans-serif, "helvetica neue";font-size:14px;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 10px 25px;"><li style="line-height:20px;">A one-year <strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;">Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Development</strong><span> will be offered from 2023. For more information, please attend the online information session on the Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Development on Wednesday, </span><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;">21 September from 17:30 - 18:30</strong><span> via MS Teams. To register for the online session, </span><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;"><strong style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;">click </strong></span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1e65jbEpugCBg7ruRz7JZV9pCRRIhEk7dW6yZaQy4a4avnw/viewform"><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;"><span style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;"><strong style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;">here</strong></span></span></a></li></ul><div style="color:#333333;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica, arial, sans-serif, "helvetica neue";font-size:14px;"><br></div><ul style="color:#333333;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica, arial, sans-serif, "helvetica neue";font-size:14px;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 10px 25px;"><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1e65jbEpugCBg7ruRz7JZV9pCRRIhEk7dW6yZaQy4a4avnw/viewform"><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;"><span style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;"><strong style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;"></strong></span></span></a>Applications for the Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Development close on <strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="background-color:rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85);font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;">30 September.</strong></li></ul><div><font color="#8b0000"><b><br></b></font></div><div style="text-align:center;"><font color="#8b0000"><b><strong><img src="/english/faculty/economy/spl/SPL%20Library/Lindelwa%202.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:585px;" /></strong></b></font></div><div style="text-align:center;"><font color="#8b0000"><b><font color="#8b0000" style="font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica, arial, sans-serif, "helvetica neue";font-size:14px;text-align:center;background-color:#ffffff;"><strong>Lindelwa Mahlalela, Founder of LeeConnect, winner of Golden Circle of </strong><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;"><strong>the </strong></span></font><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica, arial, sans-serif, "helvetica neue";font-size:14px;text-align:center;background-color:#ffffff;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:#8b0000;"><strong>Motsepe Foundation</strong></span>.<br></b></font></div><div style="text-align:center;"><font color="#8b0000"><b><br></b></font></div></div> |
| Educating girls and providing access to women remains the tried and tested method to true liberation | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9470 | | Educating girls and providing access to women remains the tried and tested method to true liberation | Dr Patience N. Mbava | <p style="text-align:justify;">This women’s month, we remember the gallant women of 1956 who marched to Pretoria to demand change. Now, as we continue to assess the gains made by women in South Africa since 1994, we recognise the systemic weaknesses that continue to impede gender equality in South Africa. We need to remove historical, structural, institutional, and cultural barriers to the realisation of gender equality in South Africa.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Educating girls and providing access to women remains the tried and tested method to true liberation as it unlocks fundamental human rights such as literacy and political participation. Access to higher education provides one with more choices, and embarking on a PhD programme can be life-changing. My PhD journey was daunting at times however my supervisor, with whom I had similar research interests, set clear delivery deadlines and held me accountable, more than anything, Prof Rabie skilfully guided me towards demonstrating doctorateness in my work and my contribution to knowledge.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The School of Public Leadership developed and equipped me to lead with confidence and gave me an academic voice, a stepping stone to debate policy ideas, and most of all, empowered me with skills in finding solutions to many of our complex developmental challenges. I now have the opportunity to contribute to the development of our country. As the Chairperson of the Financial and Fiscal Commission, appointed by President Ramaphosa, my key objective, working with parliamentary oversight mechanisms, is to ensure that allocated budgets and fiscal tools in all three spheres of government are gender inclusive and are responsive to the lived realities of women. This will progress the aspirations of the women who marched in 1956.<br></p><p><img src="/english/faculty/economy/spl/SPL%20Library/Dr%20Patience%20N.%20Mbava.jpg" alt="" style="margin:0px;width:665px;height:445px;" /><em>Dr Patience N. Mbava addressing women at the Women’s Charter Report Back event</em><br></p><p><br></p> |
| Just keep swimming and you will get there. | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9472 | | Just keep swimming and you will get there. | Melissa Botha | <p style="text-align:justify;"><span>“If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you are always in the same place." -Nora Roberts. This is something I had to learn on my way to becoming a female academic. Fear of the unknown can often lead to two very different outcomes, either you can decide to not attempt because of fear of failure or you can leap, knock you head once or twice, trip over a few things and stumble across the finish line with stars in your eyes glistening with excitement. My journey entails a bit of both.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Once I completed my studies, I was still unsure of what I was supposed to do with my life. What I did know was that I was 26 years old, newly married with a completed master's degree in public administration. Life was good but the uncertainty of not knowing what direction I was to take in my career was daunting. I started thinking about what impact I would like to make with my life, what mattered to me most and who and what impacted my life in the most meaningful way. I then identified people who really left their mark in my life and often it was people who took on the role of mentorship investing their time and effort in bringing out the best in me. What stood out to me was their faith in my ability, the kindness in their tone, the understanding and in essence the way I felt when I left them, and I realized that was what I wanted to duplicate in my life.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The road leading up to me becoming an academic has not been a smooth one. At the age of 21 after completing my undergraduate degree, one of my professors recruited me to work as an intern at the School of Public Leadership and because we had a compulsory internship to do for my Honours Degree, I agreed. Once I had completed my honours degree, I was awarded a merit bursary to do my Masters degree and decided to continue studying. At this stage, I was no longer an intern but started a new responsibility as the Coordinator in Municipal Minimum Competency Levels Training Programme. I absolutely loved it but after a few years I needed change and searched for something that would make a bigger impact and give me the much needed job satisfaction I so deeply craved. I spent years trying to find “myself" going on several courses, teaching myself various skills and at one stage even convinced myself I should've gone to makeup school but not once did I consider academia.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">As a young South African woman whose lecturers did not necessarily represent who I was, what I look like, talk like, or have similar life experiences I found it incredibly hard to relate. In my mind, in order to be an academic, you needed to have a very specific personality with very specific interests which was all great but definitely wasn't me. One day this all changed for me I attended a class of one of my female colleagues and I was in awe, she was so relatable to me, and I thought wow what an inspiration! She remained true to who she was, conveyed the information in a manner that stimulated enthusiasm and excitement and best of all, she represented who and what I was.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">One day I remember waking up and could not think of anything else but that I aspired to be what I experienced the day before. I experienced excitement I had never experienced before with regards to direction in a career path. Hallelujah, at the ripe age of 32 years old it finally happened. Direction, oh and what a wonderful thing it was to have. Now I just needed to put in the work to make this my reality. I started paying closer attention to styles of teaching, research in the field and paid much closer attention to when people spoke about what was happening in the public sector and the like. I now knew what I wanted to do with my life and there was just no stopping me to get it. I then asked my director if I may attend the training courses on research, public speaking and writing because now that I have decided that I was going to be an academic I had to equip myself to become the best damn academic I could be.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The day finally came where there was a job opening for a “Junior Lecturer" in my department and to my surprise over 200 applications. Once again, I did research on possible interview questions, tapped into experiences of older academics, learned some new technological skills and applied for the job. I got shortlisted and went to the first round of interviews, I had to do a presentation which followed on a set of questions from whomever wanted to know something, similar to classroom style lecture. The second part of my interview included a panel from academics from all over the University including the Dean of our faculty. To my delight, after about 3 weeks of waiting I was informed that I got the job and my journey of becoming an academic was finally a reality.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Last week I celebrated my 1 year anniversary of being an academic and it is indeed everything I dreamed it would be. I am not saying it is always easy, because most of the time it's not, but even the hard times I welcome because I have never been this challenged, uncomfortable and at the same time excited before in my life and I realized this is what growth feels like. I am slowly becoming what I dreamed of and the impact I try and aim for is becoming my reality. Seeing the students' faces' light up when something finally makes sense or stimulating creative thoughts and ideas is something I cannot even explain. All I can say is dreams can come true, sometimes however you must fall and bump your head a few times to get there but one thing is for sure in the very wise words of Dory in the movie Finding Nemo, “just keep swimming" and you will get there. </p><p style="text-align:justify;"> <br></p><p><br></p> |
| Kühne Summer School presented great opportunities, says student | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9371 | | Kühne Summer School presented great opportunities, says student | Daniel Bugan | <p><span style="background-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;font-size:14px;">Sheba Kashiri has not only developed a renewed appreciation for her studies at Stellenbosch University but also a better understanding of her future career roles in her field after attending the Kühne Summer School in Sustainability </span><span style="background-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;font-size:14px;">i</span><span style="background-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;font-size:14px;">n Germany recently.</span></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">The Summer School, held at the Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg, equipped students with new paradigms, theoretical concepts, skills and tools to better understand the impact of business on the environment and society. Students having this knowledge at their fingertips are much sought after by firms and can become powerful drivers of sustainable change.</p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">Students were exposed to interactive lectures, case studies, group work and excursions. At the end of the course, students were able to, among other things, assess a company's engagement in sustainability, recognise trade-offs between different sustainability efforts of a company and identify corporate sustainability practices and opportunities in a business environment.<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">Kashiri, who is in her second year of studying towards a diploma in sustainable development at SU's School of Public Leadership, said before the summer school she felt a bit unsure about what her future career in the sustainable development space would look like after her studies.</p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">“l was one of those people who were concerned about what they will do after they finish studying. But the summer school cleared all my doubts. It gave me so much confidence and allowed me to embrace and appreciate my studies. This is important, because to excel in whatever one is doing, one first has to accept it and be passionate about it. I have developed a new energy and enjoyment for my studies, which is amazing."<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">Kashiri said every day spent at the summer school was an unforgettable experience.</p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">“Each day was amazing in its own way. However, the day that stood out for me the most, was when we went to Klimahaus Bremerhaven which means Climate House in English. It is a museum that is designed to allow people to explore different countries' temperature and climate in order to educate people about climate and climate change. We travelled to eight climate and temperature stations; this means we explored eight different countries in one building."<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">“The first day of summer school, we also had a cooking event where we cooked our own dinner. I am a person who loves cooking and baking, so having that event as my first day of the summer school was awesome."<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">She said the Kühne Summer School in Sustainability is not only an amazing experience but it also exposes one to great opportunities.</p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">“Having this experience allows one to build great networks, develop ideas and to be aware of what is happening around the world."<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">According to Shaun Dunn, lecturer at the School of Public leadership, courses such as the Kühne Summer School in Sustainability offers students a great opportunity to experience tertiary education outside South Africa.<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;text-align:justify;">“At the Diploma programme in Sustainable Development, we encourage our students to network locally as well as continentally and internationally. In developing strong African and international networks, their social-ecological impact will be felt across many places in the world. This hopefully enables them to be leaders who make a difference while leading from the heart."<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">He said SU students interested in summer or winter school short-term courses hosted by various universities abroad can apply through the Stellenbosch University International Office.<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica;color:#333333;background-color:#ffffff;">The three-year Diploma in Sustainable Development Programme, presented at the Sustainability Institute's praxis hub, provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in areas such as sustainable technologies, complexity and ecology, social entrepreneurship, leadership development, social activation, small business management skills, creativity and storytelling.<br></p><ul style="padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 10px 25px;color:#333333;font-family:raleway, trebuchet, helvetica, arial, sans-serif, "helvetica neue";font-size:14px;background-color:#ffffff;"><li style="line-height:20px;">Main photos: Sheba Kashiri cooking her own dinner and at Hamburg Train Station.<br><br></li><li style="line-height:20px;">Photo below: Sheba Kashiri with other students who attended the Kühne Summer School.<br></li></ul><div><font color="#333333" face="raleway, trebuchet, helvetica, arial, sans-serif, helvetica neue"><span style="font-size:14px;"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#333333" face="raleway, trebuchet, helvetica, arial, sans-serif, helvetica neue"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></font></div><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/english/faculty/economy/spl/SPL%20Library/Sheba%20Kashiri%20with%20other%20students.jpg" alt="" style="text-align:center;margin:5px;" /><br></p> |
