Written by Noluthando Key
As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, we reflect on the profound contributions of women who are driving change in our society. This month is not just a time to honour the achievements of women but also to recognise those who are empowering others and breaking down barriers in their respective fields. Among these remarkable women is Dr. Izimangliso Malatjie, a leader, visionary, and advocate for education, training and development of youth in the public sector.
Dr. Malatjie currently holds the position of Chief Director for Cadet and Foundation Management at the National School of Government (NSG), where she has been instrumental in delivering courses and programmes that enhance the skills and knowledge of public servants at levels 1- 8 and Traditional Leaders across the country. However, her influence extends far beyond her official role. Dr. Malatjie is involved in the Emerging Leaders in Public Service Programme (ELIPS) as a mentor and coach. The ELIPS programme aims to equip young public servants with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective leaders in the Public Service.
Born and raised in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Dr. Malatjie understood from an early age the challenges faced by students in under-resourced schools. Her personal experience with educational inequalities, fuelled her passion to ensure that future generations would not face the same obstacles. Driven by this mission, she pursued higher education with determination, earning a Doctorate in Business Administration. Her academic achievements were not merely for personal advancement, they were stepping stones towards a greater purpose – to use education as a means of transforming lives and communities.
“I believe my expertise will add value to the SAAPAM conference and to the body of knowledge in terms of what is current developments in the public sector.” Malatjie emphasizes. “Because if you take yourself as a Public Administration student, you are currently in class and you are learning through a curriculum, that was maybe developed four or five years ago. Therefore, I will share experiences and best practice in terms of what the latest developments are in the public sector which will captivate and inspire delegates at the conference. My ability to connect the dots between academic research and real – world applications will resonate with attendees, providing valuable insights and takeaways that can be applied in their own contexts. Through my engaging presentation style and storytelling approach, I will draw delegates into a world of innovative solutions and best practices in the public sector, leaving a lasting impact long after the conference concludes.”
Dr. Malatjie’s words resonate deeply, particularly during Women’s Month, as we reflect on the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in shaping the future of Public Administration. Dr. Malaltjie’s determination to make a difference is a testament to the power of female leadership.
In our conversation Dr. Malatjie mentioned that she will be presenting four papers at the SAAPAM conference, which are set to address the current issues faced in the Public Administration and Management sector. The papers are: 1. “Critical Considerations to Attaining and Sustaining Clean Audit Outcomes in the South African Public Sector: A case of the National School of Government” (Malatjie I., Mkwanazi P. & Poonsamy D.), 2. “Small and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa: Access to finance as a growth constraint” (Chauke E. & Malatjie I.), 3. “ The Impact of Organisational Restructuring at a National Department” (Chabalala S. & Malatjie I.) and 4. “Enhancing Accountability and Ethics in Professionalising the Public Sector ( Malatjie I.).
When asked, what topics or themes should be considered for future SAAPAM conferences? Dr Malatjie, responded by saying: “Ethics and Integrity. They are essential components of effective public administration, and their inclusion in future conferences is crucial. As public servants and leaders, it is vital to prioritise moral principles and values that guide decision making and actions. By discussing ethics and integrity, conferences can foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and trust. This, in turn, can help ensure responsible resource management and promote effective service delivery.”
Dr. Malatjie’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. It serves as a powerful reminder that when women are empowered, they, in turn, empower others. Her work is a shining example of the impact that one person can have when they are driven by a sense of purpose and a commitment to social justice. In celebrating Women’s Month, we not only pay tribute to the achievements of women like Dr. Malatjie but also acknowledge the ongoing struggles and the work that still needs to be done. Her journey inspires us to continue advocating for gender equality and to support initiatives that empower women and girls across the country. As we look to the future, we can draw strength from the knowledge that there are women like Dr. Malatjie leading the way, breaking down barriers, and building a brighter, more equitable world for all.
“Let us work together to create a more inclusive and dynamic public sector, one that values diverse perspectives and experiences. By doing so, we can build a brighter future for all South Africans. For first time conference attendees, my advice to you is, do your research and familiarise yourself with the conference program, speakers and themes. Finally, set goals for yourself, by identifying what you want to achieve and network as much as you can at the conference.” – Dr. Malatjie.