The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy (SPMGPP) hosted in celebration of University’s 20th anniversary an alumni networking event.
The event focused on what the alumni’s collective impact has been, gave them the platform to exchange ideas, and to engage on how to further shape the future of governance and public management in South Africa.
In his opening remarks, head of school Professor Dominique Uwyezimana highlighted the school’s many achievements, counting among them this engagement that had attracted the attention of high-profile alumni of the school.
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal gave his welcome remarks highlighting the importance of having an event at the University that not only celebrates important milestones by the College of Business and Economics (CBE- the faculty that the is home to the SPMGPP) and the University, but also to gather people that are arguably the University’s biggest ambassadors, its alumni.
“It is a privilege for the University of Johannesburg to host this event and to interact with our alumni, its very special. The event marks a significant milestone for the school (SPMGPP), the CBE and the University as we welcome two decades of excellence, in Public Administration, Management, Governance and Public Policy,” he said.
The event gathered some of the school’s most influential alumni including Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), members of parliament, policy makers, leaders in law enforcement and academics to collectively chart a way forward for Public Administration, Management, Governance and Public Policy.
Some the topics discussed included how to improve the Public Administration through making use of Artificial Intelligence, capacitating leaders in the public service with necessary skillsets and how to include sustainability in governance.
MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services in the City of Johannesburg Loyiso Masuku who is also a UJ alumni, shared the importance of government partnering with other organizations to get services to its constituencies.
“We are very clear as government that we cannot do it alone. We need the assistance of other entities including small and medium enterprises. Government alone will not be able to meet the needs of our youth. The country’s youth unemployment statistics, which currently sits at 46.1% are shocking. Institutions such as UJ can also help government and the city achieve its goals. One of these ways is through the research capabilities of institutions of higher learning, these can be leveraged to give important insight that can lead to improved service delivery as well,” she said.
The day was filled with robust discussion, exchange of ideas and the building and nurturing of important networks and skills exchanges.
Present among the delegates were Malusi Gigaba and Mmusi Maimane, parliamentarians who also recently completed their PhD studies at UJ, through the SPMGPP. The pair were part of panel discussions reflecting on different aspects of their journey as public administrators and leaders.
Watch the full engagement below:
