Governance excursion bridges theory and practice Public Management students

Third-year Public Management students from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) gained first-hand exposure to public sector leadership, governance and public administration during an academic excursion that connected classroom learning with real-world government practice. The experience enabled students to engage directly with municipal and government leaders while exploring key governance institutions shaping South Africa's public sector.

The excursion began at the Union Buildings, where students, accompanied by Prof John Molepo, met Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements Councillor Aaron Maluleka. The Department of Public Management hosted the excursion for third-year Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) students as part of its commitment to preparing future public servants.

The excursion began at the Union Buildings, where students, accompanied by Prof John Molepo, met Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements Councillor Aaron Maluleka.

Dr Moya shared insights into municipal governance, public administration, financial management and service delivery. She emphasised the importance of developing knowledgeable and ethical future public servants.

"Shaping the minds of the next generation of public servants and public representatives begins with imparting knowledge and wisdom," she said.

Dr Moya highlighted the role of local government in improving citizens' lives and outlined the City's strategic priorities, including strengthening financial sustainability, revitalising the inner city and creating an enabling environment for economic growth.

"We discussed various government processes with students, including how the annual budget is structured, public engagement processes and how we prioritise spending and service delivery. We also highlighted the administration's strategy and priority areas, namely financial stability, revitalisation of the inner city and our efforts to grow Tshwane's economy," she said.

Councillor Maluleka discussed the practical realities of municipal governance and emphasised the importance of ethical leadership, accountability and responsive public administration. Students interacted directly with the municipal leaders and gained a deeper understanding of governing a metropolitan municipality.

Students also toured the Union Buildings, one of South Africa's most significant constitutional and historical landmarks, gaining valuable insight into South Africa's democratic governance system and the role of national institutions in advancing constitutional values, accountability and effective administration.

Prof John Molepo   The final leg of the excursion took students to the National School of Government (NSG), where Dr Lakela Kaunda and Dr Izzy Malatjie shared perspectives on public sector leadership, governance, professional ethics and the competencies required of future public servants. They encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning, innovation, professionalism and ethical leadership, while highlighting the importance of technically competent, accountable and citizen-centred leadership.

The excursion forms an important part of the Department of Public Management's Work-Integrated Learning programme, which integrates academic theory with practical experience. By engaging directly with government leaders and public administration practitioners, students contextualised classroom concepts within real governance settings.

The excursion enhanced students' understanding of governance, leadership and public administration while encouraging them to pursue careers grounded in ethical leadership, accountability and excellence in public service. It also reflects the department's commitment to developing graduates who are academically grounded, professionally prepared and ready to contribute meaningfully to South Africa's public sector.

Prof John Molepo (right) with Executive Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya and dignitaries from the National School of Governance. Students who attended the Governance Excursion.