TUT partnership advances public service skills in Mopani District

The Tshwane University of Technology’s Giyani Campus and Department of Social Development in the Mopani District have strengthened public service capacity through a targeted skills development programme for 50 public officials. The initiative equipped participants with leadership, management, and ethical governance skills to improve service delivery across five municipalities in Limpopo.

The programme formed part of a strategic partnership between TUT’s Giyani Campus and the Department of Social Development in Mopani District to support community engagement and public sector development.

The Department of Public Management designed and delivered customised training in response to organisational needs identified within department structures. Participants included 15 appointed supervisors, 15 delegated supervisors and 20 general employees from five municipalities across the district.

Dr Thabo Saul and Dr Tshedza Sikhwari, both academic facilitators, presented training focused on Leadership, Management and Ethics in Public Service. The programme strengthened leadership capabilities, enhanced management effectiveness and promoted ethical conduct within public sector institutions.

Training provided practical solutions aligned with public officials' daily responsibilities and addressed real workplace challenges within government structures.

Initiative aligns with several national development frameworks, including the National Development Plan 2030, the National Skills Development Plan 2030 and the National Framework Towards Professionalisation of Public Sector.

These frameworks emphasise the importance of skills development, institutional capacity and ethical governance in building a capable and developmental state. Through initiatives such as this programme, TUT contributes to strengthening human capital and institutional effectiveness in support of national development priorities.

The Giyani Campus, established in January 2026, is positioning itself as a centre for community engagement and regional development within the Mopani District. Through partnerships with government stakeholders, the campus is expanding its role in addressing institutional and community challenges across the region.

The Department of Public Management also uses initiatives such as this programme to extend learning beyond traditional academic spaces and ensure training remains relevant to public sector needs.

The success of the intervention highlights the value of collaboration between academia and government in strengthening public service delivery and building institutional capacity.