UNIVEN Hosts SAAPAM Conference: A Platform for Building State Capacity

The South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM), in collaboration with the University of Venda (UNIVEN), is hosting its 24th Annual Conference from 21 to 26 September 2025 at the Premier Hotel in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. The event brought together academics, public offi cials, and policy experts to explore how state capacity can be built and sustained, under the theme “Building State Capacity – Prospects and Challenges.” The University of Venda plays a central role in the programme, contributing speakers, hosting the gala dinner, and showcasing its commitment to leadership development and governance reform. The conference, which began over two decades ago, serves as a national platform responding to questions as to why public administration matters and how institutions of higher learning infl uence policy making and service delivery.

Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba delivered a keynote address at the 24th annual South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) Conference, highlighting the critical role of public servants in building a capable state. She highlighted the need for public servants to take responsibility for implementing policies and driving change. Dr Ramathuba encouraged public servants to “do the right things, not just the right way,” and to prioritise service above self, ethics above expediency, and people above politics. She also emphasised the importance of professionalising the public service, embracing technology, and developing skills that respond to the economic challenges of the province and country. “Let us transform our knowledge into solutions, our ideas into policies, and our policies into tangible change,” she said, urging public servants to act with courage and integrity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

In her address, Dr Ramathuba also encouraged public servants that she believes in them. “I know the fi rst commitment you have shown me was when you paid on your own to come and attend this conference.” She emphasised the importance of sacrifi ce and dedication in public service, stating that “to get your knowledge, you can also sacrifi ce the last cent you have.” Dr Ramathuba’s message was clear: public servants must prioritise the needs of citizens and work together to build a better South Africa.

Prof Kgothatso Shai, President of the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM), delivered the opening and welcome address at the 24th annual conference and expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni for hosting the conference, which drew a record-breaking of more than 800 participants from across Africa. The conference theme, ‘Building State Capacity: Challenges and Opportunities,’ aimed to explore the links between the past, present, and future in public administration. Prof Shai highlighted the importance of scientifi c research in understanding pertinent issues in public aff airs, stating that “the scaling of our conference programme shows that scientifi c research is vital if we are to not only protect our state, but to also ensure that it is served by an ethical, competent, qualifi ed, and capable workforce.” He also commended the University of Venda for its exceptional hosting, noting that “the University of Venda has gone out of the core of the culture to make this conference possible.” The conference featured over 660 research papers, and SAAPAM’s eff orts to professionalise the public sector through knowledge exchange platforms and publications were also emphasised.

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, highlighted the critical role of public administration and management in addressing challenges such as macroeconomic instability, social inequality, and environmental threats. “The capacity of the state institutions to eff ectively respond and adapt is quite paramount,” he noted. The conference theme, ‘Building State Capacity: Challenges and Opportunities,’ is particularly relevant in the current national and international context. He expressed confi dence that the discussions would “not only highlight the current state of public administration in South Africa but also pave the way for new ideas and strategies that can enhance our institutions and serve our communities more eff ectively.” The University is committed to being a catalyst for positive change and development, and he encouraged delegates to engage in rigorous inquiry, respectful debate, and visionary thinking.
In his message of support, read by the SAAPAM President, Prof Kgothatso Shai, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile congratulated SAAPAM on its recognition as a professional body and called on delegates to ensure that conference research and discussions lead to practical solutions for building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. He highlighted the need for collaboration among government, academia, and practitioners, encouraged the inclusion of young people in public service, and urged everyone to leave the conference with a renewed commitment to turning knowledge into action for better governance and service delivery in South Africa.
After the offi cial opening on Monday, 22 September, the SAAPAM Conference moved into a full week of activity, featuring a blend of workshops and interactive panel discussions. Each day focused on critical themes such as state capacity, ethical leadership, and public sector innovation, with sessions led by experts from universities, government, and professional bodies. Delegates engaged in policy labs, research presentations, and networking events. The programme also included community outreach and cultural excursions, ensuring that the event combined academic dialogue with practical engagement throughout the week.

In her closing remarks, Dr Sareesha Pillay, SAAPAM Board Member, expressed gratitude to the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, for her “thought provoking keynote address” and noted that delegates would “walk away with a lot of work that need to be done as academics, within the discipline, and as practitioners within public administration.” She also thanked the Deputy President’s offi ce for the message of support, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda for hosting the conference, and other dignitaries for their attendance.

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Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811