Written by: Onthatile Morulane

Professor Sibongiseni Bethuel Ngcamu, a leading figure in South African public administration and an advocate for good governance.

Professor Ngcamu’s career began in Durban, where he embarked on his teaching career as a Geography teacher in a secondary school located in Clermont Township. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he continued his studies, acquiring two masters degrees in public health law and human resources management, followed two PHDs in Public Management (specializing in disaster risk management) and Higher Education (focusing on leadership and transformation in universities). This dedication to lifelong learning is a testament to his passion for the field.

Prior to joining UNISA, Professor Ngcamu held various positions in the public sector, including Consultant to the City Manager on Research at the eThekwini Municipality and Management Advisor. In these roles, he managed a diverse range of projects and conducted change management interventions.

His academic research interests include Disaster and Risk Management, Human Resource Management, and Organizational Development. He has also researched Climate Change, Adaptation, and Resilient Strategies. Professor Ngcamu is the former Head of the Department: Public Management and Leadership at the Nelson Mandela University. He has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers. His contributions to the field have been recognized with various Best Researcher awards at different universities.

Throughout his career, Professor Ngcamu has held various academic positions at prestigious institutions like Mangosuthu University of Technology, Walter Sisulu, UKZN and CPUT, including the University of South Africa (UNISA). Professor Ngcamu’s hard work and commitment to research are reflected in his esteemed NRF C3 rating, the highest level bestowed by the National Research Foundation. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, collaboration across disciplines, and impactful publications in achieving such recognition. This rating positions him as a prominent voice in South African academia.

Looking ahead to the upcoming SAAPAM conference, Professor Ngcamu highlights its significance in commemorating 30 years of democracy in South Africa. He underscores the need to evaluate both the successes and failures of the past, acknowledging the challenges faced by the ruling party in navigating a new political landscape. He emphasizes the crucial role played by public administration in improving the lives of citizens, citing advancements in housing, sanitation, and education. However, he doesn’t shy away from acknowledging issues like corruption and white-collar crime, advocating for robust anti-corruption mechanisms.

Professor Ngcamu sheds light on the transformative impact of technology on public administration. He emphasizes the need for digitalization and the adoption of agile leadership styles to enhance efficiency and service delivery. As an example, points to remote work, he argues, can not only improve productivity but also minimize wastage and conflict within organizations. However, he acknowledges the importance of training public servants in digital literacy to ensure a smooth transition.

Professor Ngcamu identifies a critical disconnect between academics and practitioners in public administration. He proposes several solutions, including:

  • Building relationships with government officials through service level agreements and involving public servants in advisory boards.
  • Encouraging academics to gain real-world experience through sabbaticals in government departments.
  • Ensuring public servants have input into academic programs to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
  • Advocating for a meritocratic approach within SAAPAM, prioritizing true researchers over political appointees.

Professor Ngcamu expresses hope that the current Government of National Unity (GNU) will foster collaboration with academics to address national challenges. He stressed the importance of research-informed policymaking and the need for academics to play a more active role in shaping government initiatives.

Professor Ngcamu acknowledges the pervasive nature of corruption, particularly in universities. He highlights the fear of academics to speak out due to potential career repercussions. He expresses doubt that the SAAPAM conference will yield concrete solutions for tackling corruption, citing a lack of focus on practical strategies and training programs for government officials and students. He emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to combatting corruption and advocates for international benchmarking to identify effective strategies.

Professor Ngcamu envisions a future where SAAPAM transcends its current limitations. He calls for depoliticization, detribalization, and a focus on diversity to establish a national brand. He proposes incorporating modules on public administration in education programs to equip teachers with leadership and management skills. Additionally, he advocates for a shift towards problem-based learning, ensuring graduates are equipped with practical skills needed to make a real-world impact.

Professor Ngcamu concludes by offering a powerful message for those entering the field of public administration: “be patriotic and serve with a servant leader mentality”. This dedication to the betterment of communities and South Africa as a whole is the driving force behind Professor Ngcamu’s remarkable career and his unwavering commitment to public service.