By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National School of Government (NSG) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve state capacity and professionalize public administration.
UJ academic staff will participate in research and education aligned with NSG initiatives during their sabbaticals, promoting knowledge exchange, innovation, and teamwork.
The collaboration signals a new stage in how academic establishments and government agencies work together, with a common goal of nurturing a competent, ethical developmental state.
Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet has hailed the agreement as a progressive partnership towards the professionalisation of the public service, since the academics are expected to contribute to education, training and development programmes at the NSG.
“Building an ethical, capable developmental State is an apex priority of government. Such a partnership will go a long way towards the achievement of this goal,” Kiviet said.
Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) said: “I am delighted to announce the secondment of our esteemed academic personnel to the prestigious National School of Government during their sabbatical. This opportunity will not only enrich their own research and teaching expertise but also contribute to the advancement of public administration and governance practices in the country.
“We believe that this collaboration will pave the way for greater innovation, knowledge-sharing, and academic excellence in the field. Our commitment to fostering partnerships with leading institutions such as the NSG underscores our dedication to creating a positive societal impact and shaping future leaders in the public service.”
The Principal of the NSG, Prof Busani Ngcaweni, welcomed the agreement and said the NSG looks forward to the benefit that the public sector will derive from this development.
“Academics will be able to share their expertise and gain practical experience of how the public service works, through being stationed in a government department for a period, “Ngcaweni said.
Government departments will also gain a lot from the expertise and research capacity of the academic personnel.
Ngcaweni said the NSG will explore the conclusion of a similar agreement with higher education institutions, as well to expand the pool from which government will benefit.