Best Paper Awards

SAAPAM BEST PAPER AWARDS 2023

Acknowledge the executive board of SAAPAM, All special guests, and all delegates. All protocol observed.

Adjudication Committee

  1. Prof T Madzivhandila Chair
  2. Prof Sam Koma
  3. Prof Lusanda Juta
  4. Prof Ferdinand Niyimbanira
  5. Prof David Mello
  6. Prof Milly Paile
  7. Dr Izimangaliso Malatjie
  8. Dr Xolile Thani


Process

  • Similarity index elimination
  • double blind review
  • conference presentation

Challenges, no show by presenters, presenting in wrong venues

2023 Best Overall Conference Paper

Not Allocated

1. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Peace, Safety, and Security

2. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Globalization of Economies, Regional Integration and International Relations

3. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Leadership and Managing Human Capital

4. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Gender and Disability

Allocated

5. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Performance Monitoring and Evaluation

Framework for Monitoring and Evaluating Access to Healthcare Services in Rural Communities: Insights from Amathole District in the Eastern Cape
Mrs Nosiphiwo Nkonki and Mrs Fundiswa Shwababa

6. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Digitalization in the Public Sector

Koena Donald Mokgotho and Ngoako Mokoele
Koena Donald Mokgotho and Ngoako Mokoele

7. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Political Economy of Science and Innovation

The Role of Employee Motivation for the Provision of Quality Health Care Services in the Health Sector
Mr Mohwagabo Ignatius Sekgobela, Prof Sipho Mokoena and Dr Lucas Shipalana

8. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Good Governance and Ethics

“Beauty for Ashes” – The Role of Mindfulness in Assisting Public Service Employees Undergoing Life and Career Challenges
Ms Zikhona Dlaza and Prof Willie Chinyamurindi

9. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Rural Development, Urban Regeneration and Sustainable Development

The Efficacy of Traditional Leadership on Service Delivery Provision in Rural South Africa: A Case of Motantanyane Village, Limpopo Province
Sakiel Monama

10. Best SAAPAM Conference Paper – Local Government

Drinkable and Potable Water at Hammanskraal in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality: A Service Delivery Challenge or Fallacy
Dr Phillemon Makgopela and Dr Paul Radikonyana

11. Best Overall Female Authored Conference Paper

The Role of Electoral Commissions in the Emergence of Legitimate Governments: A Study of the 2023 Presidential Elections in Nigeria
Mrs Nkem Asoya

12. Best Overall Emerging Conference Paper

Adaptive Leadership in Digital Age Financial Management of South African Municipalities: A Systems Approach Observation (Durban University of Technology)
Mr Fanyana Ntuli

13. Best Overall Conference Paper

The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s Response to the Impact of Climate Change on Road Transport
Dr Maijane Mashamaite

2024 SAAPAM Best Research Paper Awards Reviews

The Past: How Far Have We Come?

Black Economic Empowerment: The Media-Political Discourses of the Democratic Alliance and the Black Elite in South Africa
Dr Metji Makgoba (Male)

The Past: How Far Have We Come?

An Investigation into the Effectiveness of the TVET Curriculum in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Mr Felix Mfihlakalo Vuthela (Male) and Dr Xolisile Ngumbela (Male)

Human Capital and Performance Management

Strategic Workforce Planning: Integrating Human Capital Needs with Organizational Goals for Optimal Performance in the Public Sector
Dr Monument Thulani-Bongani Makhanya (Male)

Sustainable Development

Re-Imagining Ecologically Sustainable Durban: A Drive Towards Ecologically Sustainable Transportation
Mr Lindani Sthembele Maphumulo (Male)

The Present: Where Are We Now?

(Not) Learning from Experience: Coalition Government in South African Municipalities in the Perspective of Context-Based Theory
Dr Andile Sokani (Male)

Service Delivery

Catalysing Professionalization in the South African Public Sector Through Leadership Development Strategies
Dr Anuoluwapo Durokifa (Male), Premlall Ramlachan, Sifundo Mdhluli, Zandile Mfeka, Marcia Mkhize, Joanne Naidoo, Uduak Johnson, Siyasanga Ngwabeni and Andile Magqirana

Best Emerging Research Paper

Analysing the Pros and Cons of Party Coalitions in South Africa: Unraveling Jacob Zuma’s Rope-A-Dope Political Strategy
Mr Makgamatha MG (Male)

Best Female Authored Research Paper

The Effect of the Oversight Role of Post-Apartheid South African Legislatures on Service Delivery and the Quality of Life of the Citizens
Dr Eugenia Muzenda (Female)

Best Overall Research Paper

The Sustainability of Women-Owned Small Businesses in Post-Apartheid South Africa: A Case of Mankweng Township, Unit A
Ms Pearl Thobeka Mnisi

2025 SAAPAM Best Research Paper Awards

Emerging Scholar

Potholes of a Democratic State or People’s Power? A Critical Review of Government of National Unity in South Africa
Mr Kgantshi Jones Ramatlhale (Male)

Intergovernmental, District and Local Affairs

Municipal Capacity Assessments and State Capacity Building: A Tool for Improved Governance and Service Delivery
Miss Bonolo Letlape (Female), Goldwin Dube and Paul Radikonyana

Stakeholders, Projects, Procurement and Infrastructure Management

Strengthening Corruption Risk Resilience in Public Sector Procurement: Examining Governance Failures and Policy Gaps in South Africa’s Education Sector During a Crisis
Dr Nkosingiphile Mkhize (Male)

State Capacity, Sustainable Development and Economic Transformation

A Comprehensive Critical Framework for Community Water Management in South African Rural Areas
Dr Mofolo Malefetsane and Vuyani Langa (Male)

Global and International Affairs

Know Your Wards App: A Demarcation Tool for Participatory Democracy in South African Local Government Elections
Dr Paul Shimane Radikonyana and Kevin Khosa (Male)

Higher Education and Teaching & Learning Impacts

Role of Institutions of Higher Learning in State Capacity Building
Mr Motadi Masa Sylvester (Male)

Accountability and Oversight

Protests and Service Delivery Crisis in South Africa: Beyond (Re)Building a Capable State to Rethinking Ethics – A Call to an Ethicopraxic State
Ms Sibusisiwe Nyawo (Female) and Dr Nsizwazonke E. Yende (Male)

Best Overall Research Paper Winner

Potholes of a Democratic State or People’s Power? A Critical Review of Government of National Unity in South Africa
Mr Kgantshi Jones Ramatlhale (Male)

2025 Awards Committee Members

  1. Thanyani Madzivhandila
  2. Xolile Thani
  3. Tafadzwa Maramura
  4. Arthur Shopola
  5. Ferdinand Niyimbanira
  6. Sam Koma
  7. Kgalema Mashamaite
  8. Izimangaliso Malatjie

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