Dr. Christa De Wet: A Pioneer in Public Administration

BY: ONTHATILE MORULANE

The nation’s journey from a deeply divided society to a democracy has been marked by significant strides, yet challenges persist. The Government of National Unity, a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history, laid the groundwork for reconciliation and nation-building. However, the legacy of apartheid continues to shape the country’s socio-economic landscape. Public administration, as the engine of governance, plays a critical role in addressing these historical and contemporary challenges, ensuring that the gains made in the past are consolidated, and the aspirations of the future are realized.

Dr. Christa De Wet, a distinguished figure in the field of public administration and is driven by a deep passion for teaching and learning, understanding African culture, and fostering empowerment and liberation. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made significant contributions to the discipline, both as a scholar and an educator.

Her journey began at the National School of Government, where she worked for ten years. A pivotal moment that ignited her interest in African culture came when she was tasked with designing a monument for the Cradock 4, a group of anti-apartheid activists. “This experience inspired me to delve deeper into the subject, seeking to understand and embrace African cultural values within the context of public administration,” Dr. De Wet shared.

As a dedicated educator, Dr. De Wet enjoys mentoring and guiding her students. She takes pride in her role as a facilitator of learning, inspiring her students to develop a passion for public administration and to contribute meaningfully to the field.

Dr. De Wet is a strong advocate for innovation and technological advancements. However, she emphasizes the importance of integrating African perspectives into these developments. “I believe that blindly adopting foreign models without considering African cultural nuances is a futile exercise,” she stated. “We need to develop an ‘African character’ in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.”

When asked about her motivation for pursuing her career, Dr. De Wet recalled a defining moment in her early twenties: “I was requested by Matthew Goniwe in Cradock in the Eastern Cape to design a monument for the Cradock 4. This experience literally inspired me to want to understand the African culture and realized the wealth of wisdom that there is in the African culture.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming conference, Dr. De Wet expressed her expectations for her students to gain a deeper appreciation for SAAPAM and its role in shaping the future of public administration. She also hoped to learn from her colleagues and practitioners, expanding her own knowledge and expertise.

Regarding pressing matters in public administration, Dr. De Wet believes that network governance is a crucial area to address. She advocates for a collaborative approach involving the public service, higher education institutions, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. Drawing inspiration from Homi K. Bhabha’s third space theory, she emphasizes the importance of creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

At the conference, Dr. De Wet and her students will be presenting on a variety of topics related to public administration. These include:

• New Public Management: A case study exploring the application of new public management principles.
• Illegal Land Occupation: An analysis of the complex relationship between African people and land, and the implications of illegal land occupation.
• Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration: A discussion of the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating artificial intelligence into public administration practices.

Dr. De Wet’s contributions to the field of public administration are significant, and her passion for teaching, research, and advocacy continues to inspire others. Her work highlights the importance of understanding and embracing African cultural values in the context of public administration, and her commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration is essential for shaping the future of the discipline.