Public Sector leaders share industry expectations with students

The Department of Public Sector Finance at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Economics and Finance hosted its leadership and practice series in collaboration with public sector leaders and practitioners to strengthen student understanding of leadership, governance and service delivery.

Public sector officials from various offices joined students during the Leadership and Practice Series. During the series, these leaders and practitioners shared industry expectations and practical experiences to help students prepare for meaningful careers in government and public administration.

Prof Polly Mashigo, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Finance, welcomed guests and students and thanked the public sector leaders for sharing their expertise. She also commended students for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning from experienced professionals.

The series featured distinguished leaders and practitioners from various spheres of government and public administration, including:

• Dr Zweli Mkhize, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs;
• Hon Mosupyeo Morakane, Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature;
• Councillor Tlangi Mogale, MMC for Roads and Transport in the City of Tshwane;
• Nontando Qomoyi, Chief Financial Officer at Tshwane Housing Company;
• Makhosazana Grootboom, Deputy Director for Debt Collection at the City of Tshwane; Tlhonepo Modisane, Human Resource Executive;
• Matimba Masinga, Entrepreneur;
• Dr Tsholofelo Kopedi, Acting City Manager for the City of Ekurhuleni;
• Mduduzi Vilakazi, Special Advisor to the Premier of Mpumalanga;
• Joe Mahlobogoane, Internal Auditor at the Department of Defence;
• Nompumelelo Radebe, Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund; and
• Neo Mziako, Acting Director for Corporate Strategy, Governance and Ethics.

SRC members joined students during the Leadership and Practice Series. Dr Mkhize encouraged students to remain focused on their academic goals and to remember the purpose that inspired them to pursue higher education. He said graduation would mark the beginning of a journey of responsibility, leadership and service to society. He reminded students that their achievements would reflect years of discipline, perseverance and dedication.

Cllr Mogale highlighted the importance of effective resource allocation and service delivery in local government. She encouraged students to recognise their role in supporting development within their communities and emphasised the value of protecting public resources.

Mogale said that collaboration between communities and municipalities plays an important role in ensuring sustainable service delivery and improving residents' quality of life.

Public Sector leaders, together with the Faculty of Economics and Finance Executive Dean, Prof Polly Mashigo, Garankuwa Campus  Rector, Dr Elikanah Lumadi and Head of Department for Public Sector and Finance, Sipho Maluleke. Students actively engaged with speakers during discussions and question-and-answer sessions, gaining first-hand perspectives on leadership, governance and public sector careers.

The programme strengthened the connection between academic learning and professional practice while providing students with practical insight into the responsibilities and opportunities that await them in the public sector.