Written by Noluthando Key

As South Africa prepares for its pivotal SAAPAM conference this month, one voice is set to resonate with profound impact. Mamonare Malapane, an esteemed doctoral candidate and researcher from the Tshwane University of Technology who’s research focus is on Transformation of Historically Disadvantaged Universities, is gearing up to present research that delves deep into two critical areas: “The Africanisation of Higher Education Curriculum for Improved Throughput Rate”; the research argues that the current educational frameworks, heavily influenced by Western perspectives, fail to address the unique cultural and socio-economic contexts of African students. By proposing a curriculum that resonates more deeply with African values and experiences, Mamonare aims to enhance graduation rates in specialized educational discipline and educational outcomes across the continent. The second area of her presentation is “The Participation of Women in Academia focusing on their academic citizenship” in which she argues that despite significant strides made since the end of apartheid, gender disparity remains a pressing issue. Mamonare’s research seeks to uncover the barriers women face in academia, questioning whether these obstacles are a result of systemic issues or a lack of individual engagement with the opportunities available. By analyzing existing literature and government policies, her work aims to offer actionable insights for improving female academic participation.

From Limpopo to the spotlight, hailing from Paledi (Ga-Thoka), Limpopo, Mamonare’s journey reflects a narrative of both personal and academic dedication. Despite the challenges of navigating an academic world that often seems distant from her roots, Mamonare has carved a niche for herself through rigorous research and a commitment to public service. Her involvement with the South African BRICS Youth Association as a volunteering Senior Researcher underscores her dedication to bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. Mamonare’s research focus on Transforming Historically Disadvantaged Universities and unlocking the power of skills development is her North Star. She is passionate about creating a ripple effect of positive change, where education and innovation converge to uplift communities and shape a more equitable future. By harnessing the energy of collaboration and creativity, she strives to leave a lasting impact that resonates for generations to come.

Mamonare’s research also addresses broader public administration challenges and find corruption, Bureaucratic Inefficiencies, and inefficient use of resources as persistent issues in South Africa. Mamonare’s analysis suggests that despite the availability of extensive research, government actions often disregard these valuable resources. Her critique highlights the disconnect between policy-making and empirical evidence, emphasizing the need for a more evidence-based approach to governance.

The conference’s role in shaping solutions is not just a platform for academic discussion, but a crucial arena for forging connections between government, academia, and business sectors. Mamonare believes that while conferences like SAAPAM are instrumental in bringing these groups together, the real challenge lies in translating discussions into tangible actions. Her research aims to provide solutions that address both educational reform and gender disparity, offering a roadmap for policymakers and educational leaders. As South Africa stands at a crossroads, with pressing issues demanding innovative solutions, Mamonare’s contributions are poised to make a significant impact. Her work reflects her commitment but also serves as a beacon for others operating in the Public Administration and Higher Education field.

In essence, Mamonare’s research is a clarion call for a more inclusive, contextually relevant approach to higher education and governance. As the conference approaches, her insights promise to enrich the dialogue and inspire actionable change in South Africa’s public administration landscape.