Written by Noluthando Key.
Ronald Reagan once said: “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one who gets the people to do the greatest things”.
Included among these distinguished leaders is Prof. Willie Chinyamurindi, a distinguished professor at the University of Fort Hare’s Department of Business Management, shared insights into the subject of human and organisational capability development as his research interests. As he prepares for the upcoming South African Public Administration Management (SAAPAM) conference, Prof. Chinyamurindi’s praises the conference as an excellent platform where discussions related to his research interests feature for the betterment of society. The complex challenges within public administration and management in South Africa need to be also understood from the lens of human and organisational capability development to improve the public service.
Prof. Chinyamurindi’s career is deeply rooted in the disciplines of Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour. His work focuses on optimising human and organisational capabilities to meet individual and organisational objectives. With a background that includes extensive international experience, having studied and worked in Ireland, the UK, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, Prof. Chinyamurindi brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to his areas of interest. His passion for reading and sports—ranging from cricket and rugby to soccer—adds depth to his understanding of human dynamics and organisational behaviour.
At the SAAPAM conference, Prof. Chinyamurindi will present a paper that examines the responses of small business owners to the findings from the State Capture Commission. This research is particularly timely in the context of ongoing discussions in South Africa about how academic research can address real-world issues especially considering findings from the State Capture Commission. His presentation aims to spark dialogue on how businesses and society can work together to confront the problems highlighted by the commission.
Prof. Chinyamurindi views the SAAPAM conference as a pivotal opportunity not only to share his research but also to engage with fellow academics and practitioners. He values the conference’s collegial and collaborative atmosphere, which he believes is crucial for professional development. The exchange of ideas and feedback from peers helps him refine his research and expand his understanding of public administration challenges such as lack of transparency, inadequate funding and resources, and pour human resource management.
One of the major issues Prof. Chinyamurindi addresses is corruption within South African public administration. He characterises corruption as a societal “cancer“, it weakens the societal immune system, compromising the ability of institutions and individuals to respond effectively to challenges and threats. This “cancer” deprives ordinary people of essential services and impedes progress. In addition to corruption, he highlights issues related to service delivery and emphasises the need for the professionalisation of the public service to meet global standards. Can anyone deny that corruption is undoubtedly a pernicious societal cancer, eroding trust and undermining the very fabric of our communities? As it betrays public trust, and perpetuates a culture of impurity, making it essential to confront and eradicate this destructive force through collective action and unwavering commitment,
Looking forward, Prof. Chinyamurindi envisions the SAAPAM conference as a key platform for fostering meaningful dialogue among a diverse range of stakeholders, including academics, practitioners, and policymakers. He believes that creating spaces for collaboration and discussion is essential for developing practical solutions to public administration challenges. The conference also plays a crucial role in supporting young scholars through mentorship and networking opportunities.
Prof. Chinyamurindi encourages first-time attendees “to focus not only on what they can gain from the conference but also on what they can contribute”. His approach underscores the importance of using the conference as a platform for generating new ideas and collaborative opportunities. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, Prof. Chinyamurindi’s work promises to offer valuable insights into how research can drive meaningful change in South Africa and beyond.
As he continues to explore the intersections between small business dynamics and state governance, Prof. Chinyamurindi’s contributions highlight the importance of integrating academic research with practical solutions to address pressing societal issues.