By: Onthatile Morulane
Dr. Yende is a renowned lecturer in development studies at the University of Mpumalanga and brings his expertise to the forefront of the 2024 SAAPAM Conference. With a PhD in community development and experience in supervising and teaching postgraduate students at various levels like doctoral, masters, and honours level
The 2024 SAAPAM Conference offers a crucial platform for academics and practitioners to delve into the complex issues facing South Africa’s public administration. One such issue, the Government of National Unity (GNU), has become increasingly relevant in the post-apartheid era, as Dr. Yende, a lecturer in development studies at the University of Mpumalanga, aptly points out his expectations, “The conference should touch on those particular things, analyzing the first 100 days of GNU.“
Dr. Yende’s expertise in community development and his involvement in supervising postgraduate students brings a unique perspective to the conference. In the interview, Dr Yende highlights the need to evaluate the successes and failures of the GNU’s first 100 days and assess its impact on public administration. As part of his presentation decoding the (GNU),, and delving deeper into its issues, this evaluation is particularly important given the challenges posed by the GNU partnership, which can often lead to unequal power dynamics and limited benefits for developing countries like South Africa.
One of the pressing issues within public administration that Dr. Yende identifies is the need to address corruption and service delivery failures. He notes that “most people have been disappointed by the Democratic government in terms of corruption within the state in terms of a failure to meet service delivery and in terms of negligence, particularly within the health sector.” This is a significant concern that requires urgent attention.
In addition to corruption, Dr. Yende also emphasizes the importance of land reform and restitution. He argues that the government has failed to “maximize and restore land to the previous owners.” This is a complex issue with deep historical roots, and addressing it requires a comprehensive and equitable approach.
Dr. Yende’s research on coalition governments provides another valuable contribution to the conference. He highlights the successes and failures of coalition governments in South Africa, particularly at the local level. By understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with coalition governments, policymakers can develop strategies to improve their effectiveness and ensure that they serve the best interests of communities.
As South Africa continues to navigate the complexities of the post-apartheid era, the SAAPAM Conference offers a vital opportunity for academics, practitioners, and policymakers to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing public administration. Dr. Yende’s insights into the GNU, corruption, service delivery, land reform, and coalition governments provide a valuable contribution to this important discussion.
In conclusion, Dr. Yende’s call for greater attention to public administration in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence is a timely reminder of the need for ongoing innovation and adaptation in this critical field. By embracing these technological advancements, South Africa can position itself for a more equitable and prosperous future.
