9 May 2025

Dear SAAPAM Members,

SAAPAM Officially Recognised by SAQA as a Professional Body

We are proud to announce a historic milestone in the journey of the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM). After years of dedicated effort and consistent advocacy, SAAPAM has officially been recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a professional body within the field of public administration.

This prestigious recognition affirms our role in shaping the standards, integrity, and growth of the public administration profession in South Africa. As a recognised professional body, SAAPAM is now empowered to confer professional designations and guide the continued professional development (CPD) of our members. All members are therefore encouraged to apply for professional designation and actively participate in CPD activities to remain compliant and contribute meaningfully to the field.

What This Means for Our Members and the Profession:

  1. Professional Designation and CPD:

SAAPAM members must now formalise their status by applying for designation. Maintaining this designation requires engaging in CPD programmes aimed at enhancing competencies and staying current with developments in the field.

  1. Curriculum Influence in Higher Education:

With this recognition, SAAPAM will play an advisory and quality assurance role in shaping curricula for public administration and management programmes at universities. We aim to ensure that academic programmes remain relevant, rigorous, and aligned with both national priorities and international best practices.

  1. Protection and Promotion of the Discipline:

SAAPAM will actively advocate for the integrity and growth of the public administration discipline, working closely with academic institutions, government, and industry stakeholders to defend the value and importance of this field in the public sector and beyond.

  1. Driving Professionalisation of the Public Sector:

In collaboration with government departments and public institutions, SAAPAM will champion the professionalisation of public service. This includes setting ethical standards, promoting evidence-based practice, and supporting the development of skilled, competent public servants.

We look forward to your continued commitment and involvement as we begin this new chapter. Your participation in this journey will not only advance your professional standing but also strengthen the foundation and future of public administration in South Africa. In the coming weeks, the Association will embark on the roadshow to encourage individuals to join the association and the importance of belonging to this association. We humbly request that our members continue to be our ambassadors as we share this information.

If you have questions about the designation process or how to participate in CPD activities, please contact us at 012 382 9769, saapam@tut.ac.za or visit our website at www.saapam.co.za.

Thank you for being part of SAAPAM and for your unwavering support of the profession.

Yours Faithfully

Prof John N Molepo

(SAAPAM Executive Director)

0123829769

SAAPAM@tut.ac.za