The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, in collaboration with the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) and the South African Association of Political Studies (SAAPS), invites you to participate in a thought-provoking webinar on governance and public sector leadership. This webinar revisits the long-standing politics-administration debate, exploring how it has evolved over the past century and what contemporary governance issues define it today. The discussion will approach the topic from both theoretical and practical perspectives, with particular attention to the professionalisation of public administration in modern governance contexts.
Webinar Details:
Topic: Politics-Administration Debate a Century Later: What Are the Contemporary Issues?
Date: 31 October 2025
Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Click here to join the webinar
Facilitated by: Dr Sandiso Mahlala
Presenters:
Dr Frank Lekaba is a Senior Lecturer at the Wits School of Governance. He holds a BA in Peace Studies and International Relations and an MSocSci in International Relations from North-West University (NWU), as well as a DLitt et Phil in Politics from the University of Johannesburg. Previously, he lectured in Politics and International Relations at NWU and served as a researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council’s Africa Institute of South Africa. His research focuses on African politics, peace and security, foreign policy and inter-African relations, particularly the role of civil society organizations in peacebuilding. He is also the founding chair of the South African chapter of Democracy Without Borders and actively promotes youth-driven global governance reforms.
Dr Xolisile Ngumbela is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Central University of Technology, Free State. He holds a Doctor of Administration in Governance and Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His expertise spans social security, local governance, public policy, ethical leadership, and monitoring and evaluation. He is also a regular news analyst on Umhlobo Wenene FM and serves as Chairperson of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Annual Conference for the Eastern Cape Chapter. Dr Ngumbela is an active member of SAAPAM, the South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association, and the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration.
Ms Naledi Modise is a Lecturer in the Department of Political Studies and International Relations at NWU (Mafikeng Campus). She holds a Master of Social Sciences degree and is currently completing her PhD in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Pretoria. Her research interests include democracy, voter behaviour, elections and political participation. She is the former Secretary-General of SAAPS and continues to contribute to the academic and public discourse on democratic engagement and governance.
The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences looks forward to your participation in this engaging and insightful discussion.
