FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25Th SAAPAM ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH IMPROVED GOVERNANCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
The South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) will host its 25th Annual Conference from 27 September to 3 October 2026 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC Durban) in KwaZulu-Natal. The conference will be held under the theme, “Growth and Sustainability through Improved Governance: Reimagining Institutions, Leadership and Development in a Changing World.”
The 25th Annual Conference comes at a significant time for South Africa as the country continues to address challenges relating to institutional capacity, leadership, accountability, service delivery, economic development and public trust. The conference will examine how improved governance can contribute to inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, effective institutions and better public services. Attention will be given to the evolving role of local government and how municipalities can respond to complex political, economic, technological, social and environmental pressures while strengthening democratic governance and improving service delivery.
The conference will explore several critical areas, including governance, institutions and effective leadership; local government, democracy and political dynamics; development planning, service delivery and sustainability in urban and rural contexts; economic growth, innovation and regional development; international relations, global governance and decolonial development; higher education governance, decolonisation and transformation; as well as digital, smart and future governance. These discussions will provide an opportunity for participants to consider innovative approaches to strengthening public institutions and developing governance systems that are responsive to the changing needs of society.
At the conference, academics, policymakers and practitioners will examine how stronger governance systems can support sustainable economic growth and development while addressing persistent challenges such as weak institutions, limited accountability, ineffective service delivery and declining public trust. Discussions will focus on innovative governance models, effective monitoring and evaluation, transparent and accountable public administration, effective leadership and strategies for developing resilient and inclusive institutions.
The conference will feature a distinguished keynote speakers of senior government leaders and public figures which includes Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Paul Mashatile, Former Chief Justice of South Africa Hon. Justice Raymond Zondo, Minister for Public Service and Administration Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration Pinky Kekana, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Thami Ntuli and Mayor of EThekweni, Cllr Cyril Xaba. Their participation will contribute to discussions on leadership, public administration, governance, institutional development and the future of public service in South Africa.
The 25th SAAPAM Annual Conference is being held in collaboration with the University of Zululand, University of South Africa (UNISA), Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), National School of Government (NSG), Public Service Education and Training Authority (PSETA), Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Public Service Commission (PSC), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Durban University of Technology (DUT). The collaboration reflects the importance of bringing together government, academia, professional bodies and other stakeholders to strengthen knowledge and practice in public administration and governance.
Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, academic presentations and engagements between policymakers and practitioners, the conference will provide a platform for the exchange of research, ideas and practical experiences. The discussions are expected to contribute to broader conversations on strengthening public institutions, improving leadership and accountability, enhancing service delivery and advancing sustainable development in South Africa and beyond.
Members of media who wish to cover the event can RSVP at:
Oratile Matsapola: oratile@saapam.co.za / 065 524 6323
Download Programme here:
https://saapam.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SAAPAM25_Conference_Programme.pdf
About SAAPAM
SAAPAM is a professional association that brings together academics, researchers, public administration and management practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders committed to advancing the study and practice of public administration and management. Through research, professional engagement, conferences and knowledge-sharing platforms, SAAPAM seeks to contribute to stronger public institutions, effective governance and improved public service delivery. Its annual conference provides an important platform for exchanging research, experiences and practical solutions to challenges facing the public sector.