Written by Noluthando Key
Prof Sipho Mokoena, an esteemed academic in the field of public administration, currently serves as an associate professor at the University of Limpopo and the director of the Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership. His extensive career in academia spans various institutions of higher learning where he has taught numerous modules, published articles, and presented at both national and international conferences.
With a rich background in public administration and management, Prof Mokoena has made significant contributions to the field through his numerous publications and presentations at both national and international conferences. His role as an associate professor has allowed him to shape the academic landscape, while his directorship has placed him at the forefront of administrative leadership.
Outside his academic and professional duties, Prof Mokoena is a passionate soccer fan. He identifies as a dedicated supporter of the Amakhosi, a South African football club. Prof Mokoena humorously said : “I know that seems to be in contradiction with the Executive director of SAAPAM, because he seems to be liking black things”. His enthusiasm for soccer reflects his vibrant personality and commitment to interests beyond his scholarly work.
Balancing his dual roles as a scholar and administrator presents a unique set of challenges. Prof Mokoena acknowledges that excelling in both areas is demanding. The roles of academic research and administrative responsibilities often require different skill sets and dedication. For instance, the responsibilities of a director involve a significant administrative workload, which can sometimes compromise the time and energy available for scholarly activities. He mentioned that the most critical aspect of his role, is the need to prioritise and manage time effectively. Despite these challenges, Prof Mokoena strives to maintain excellence in both domains.
One of the primary challenges he faces is managing the dual expectations of being both an academic and an administrator. He highlighted the following, “ if you want to be a pure administrator, you must dedicate yourself to the administration part of it and as a scholar you ought to remember, that you still need to adhere to the three pillars of being an academia, which is teaching and learning, research and publications and community engagement ”.
Looking ahead, Prof Mokoena expresses optimism about upcoming conferences and their potential to address these challenges. He believes that discussions at these conferences can shed light on the evolution of public administration, especially in the context of South Africa’s post-apartheid era. The conference theme “Post Apartheid South Africa: Understanding the Past, Analysing the Present, and Shaping the Future of State Administration” provides a platform to reflect on the achievements and ongoing challenges within public administration.
Prof Mokoena is particularly interested in exploring how public administration can adapt to contemporary issues, including the effectiveness of business continuity plans during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He will present two papers at the conference: one examining the effectiveness of business continuity plans in selected South African municipalities during the COVID-19 state of disaster, and another on the drivers of changes in government expenditure.
For first-time conference attendees, Prof Mokoena offers practical advice. He suggests focusing on a specific theme or subtheme of interest, as this allows for deeper engagement and understanding. By attending sessions related to a particular theme, delegates can build expertise and make meaningful connections with fellow attendees. This approach helps in gaining a comprehensive view of the topic and ensures a more coherent learning experience.
In conclusion, Prof Sipho Mokoena’s work, and insights significantly contribute to the field of public administration. His dedication to both scholarly research and administrative leadership, combined with his passion for soccer, highlights his multifaceted personality and commitment to excellence. As he continues to navigate the complexities of his roles, his contributions remain influential in shaping the future of public administration in South Africa.
